UAE: BBQ violations increase amid Covid

The Sharjah City Municipality authorities have launched an intensified crackdown targeting those who use their balconies to barbecue and grill following complaints from residents of many high-rise buildings in the emirate.

The violation has increased owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, as many people are confined indoors.

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Several residents have complained of foul smell and accompanying smoke due to the illegal practice. Also, a fire can break out in a building because of the blatant violation of the norm.

A Sharjah City Municipality official said the civic authorities issued circulars which enforced a blanket ban on barbecue and grill in balconies of residential buildings.

The building authorities have been urged to put up the circular at the entrance of residential properties. They have been asked to spread awareness among residents against the hazardous practice.

The disturbing trend is discernible as people can’t go out for a picnic because of the strict enforcement of social distancing norms due to the raging contagion.

Residents have been urged to lodge a complaint by calling 933. The civic authorities will impose a penalty starting from Dh500 to the violators.

Brigadier Sami Al Naqbi, Director-General of the Sharjah Civil Defence, pointed out that one of the major fires that had broken out in a residential building in the emirate was because of this illegal practice.

The civic authorities are trying to prevent these untoward incidents. Besides, smoke detectors are being installed in high-rise buildings and villas in the emirate.

Aman is a smart application mechanism that sends out fire alerts to Sharjah Civil Defence authorities. Aman seeks to reduce fire accidents in the emirate, the civic authorities added.