Marks & Spencer has discontinued selling barbecues that are disposable in its stores all over in the UK.
The store stated: “We’d already stopped selling disposable barbecues near national parks and in London but given the unusually hot and dry conditions, we’ve taken the precautionary step of removing them from sale across the UK.”
London Fire Brigade had already warned people to avoid using barbecues in open areas and grasslands, or on balconies especially in the wake of the recent heatwave.
This week, its Commissioner Andy Roe called for disposable barbecues to be removed from the shelves in Britain.
It was the day that when the London Fire Brigade experienced the busiest ever day in World War Two, having to deal with numerous fires at record temperatures.
In a statement, expressing gratitude for the decision taken to take the decision M&S, London Fire Brigade stated: “We want to work with retailers to stop the sale of disposable barbecues and reduce the risk of dangerous grass fires.”
“Put pressure on peers”
Analyst for retail Jonathan de Mello said he was expecting similar announcements from other retailers.
“This move by M&S will put pressure on their retail peers to follow suit,” the retailer’s spokesperson said.
“With multiple grass fires caused by these barbecues given the unprecedented hot weather we have seen in the past few weeks, M&S have rightly decided to put public safety first,” the spokesperson added.
“M&S are often seen as a bellwether for UK retailers, and hopefully other retailers will follow their lead.”
The grocery store Aldi has stopped selling barbecues for sale in March.
Certain retailers have stopped selling of the products in a few stores, but they have not taken a national approach.
A Co-op spokesperson informed the BBC that as of June 2021 it has been able to stop selling disposable barbecues in shops in and around national parks.
A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s said: “We offer customers choice and all our disposable BBQ packaging includes advice on safe use and disposal which customers are encouraged to follow.”
