No barbecue on the balconies! Penalties up to PLN 5000 for smoke

The grill period is coming in large steps, and with it the number of lovers of outdoor cooking grows. But not everyone realizes that barbecue on the balcony may have serious legal and financial consequences. In utmost cases, penalties can scope even PLN 5000.

No national ban, but...

In Poland there is no uniform national regulation prohibiting grilling on balconies. However, this does not mean full freedom in this respect. Fire rules and regulations of housing communities or cooperatives may impose their own restrictions. Ignore these provisions may consequence in a mandate being imposed.

Fire rules and grilling

According to fire rules, it is prohibited to light fire in places where this may constitute a fire hazard. Grilling on the balcony may be considered specified a risk, especially in multi-family buildings. In the event of a breach of those provisions, the fire department or police may impose a mandate of up to PLN 500.

Obligation to Neighbors

Regardless of fire rules, grilling on the balcony can be onerous for neighbors due to smoke, smells or noise. If a neighbour feels hurt, he has the right to study the substance to the applicable services. In specified a situation, based on Article 51 § 1 Code of offence, for disturbing public policy or peace of the night, there is simply a punishment for fines to PLN 5000In utmost cases, even detention.

Regulations of the Communities and cooperatives

Many housing communities and cooperatives introduce their own rules on the usage of balconies and terraces. They frequently include provisions prohibiting grilling for safety and comfort of residents. Failure to comply with these rules may consequence in financial penalties provided for in the interior rules of the community or cooperative.

Grilling elsewhere – what to watch out for?

Not only are the balconies covered by barbecue restrictions. It is worth paying attention to another places where grilling may be prohibited or restricted:

• Forests and forest areas: According to the Forests Act, it is prohibited to light a fire little than 100 meters from the edge of the forest, unless in the places to which it is designated. Infringement of this provision may consequence in a mandate of 20 zł au PLN 5000.
• Urban parks: In many parks barbecue is only allowed in designated zones. Before you start a barbecue, you should read the rules of the place to avoid unpleasant surprises.
• Beaches and recreational areas: As in parks, on beaches and another recreational areas, local barbecue rules apply. It is worth checking whether this is allowed in a given place.

Alternatives for grilling on the balcony

To avoid possible problems of grilling on the balcony, consider another options:

• Electric grilles: They are little burdensome for the environment due to the fact that they do not emit smoke. However, before utilizing them on the balcony, it is worth making certain that the regulations of the community or cooperative licence this.
• Common barbecue spaces: Many settlements offer specially designated barbecue places for residents. utilizing specified a region allows you to enjoy your favourite foods without fear of violating the rules.
• Out of town trips: Organizing a barbecue on a recreational game or in a place intended outside the city is simply a large alternate to grilling in urban space.

Although grilling is simply a popular form of spending time, it is worth remembering the regulations and regulations in force. Grilling on the balcony may entail a hazard of imposing a mandate, in peculiar if it poses a fire hazard or is burdensome for neighbours. In order to avoid unpleasant consequences, it is worth reading local regulations and considering alternate barbecue places.