After Sainsbury’s and Tesco became the latest shops to remove inexpensive disposable grills off their shelves, Asda is under pressure to do the same.
Sainsbury’s took the move in response to demands from fire officials and environmental activists who accused the £2 grills of causing wildfires at a time when Britain is experiencing its worst dry period since 1976. ‘As a precautionary step, we are withdrawing all disposable grills from sale until further notice,’ stated Sainsbury’s. Our first goal is safety.’
Sales of the grills have already been halted at Marks & Spencer and Ocado.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) applauded the move, stating that “the scorching weather has turned the grass tinderbox dry, and the slightest of sparks might start a flame.” That’s why we’re collaborating with businesses to ban the sale of disposable BBQs and urge Londoners not to grill in parks.’
M&S and Tesco have both ceased selling the grills, as have Aldi and Waitrose. Morrisons and the Co-op have discontinued the sale of grills near national parks.
The Country Landowners Association and Keep Britain Tidy have also called for a countrywide ban on the sale of single-use barbecues. Brighton Council has also prohibited them from beaches and parks, while Barnsley Council is contemplating a similar prohibition.
The Met Office has upped the Fire Severity Index, which measures how quickly a fire may spread, from Nottingham to ‘exceptional,’ the highest rating.