May 1st is approaching and if you’ve thought about going out to a barbecue this year, you need to keep certain provisions in mind. What are you legally not allowed to do?
As May 1 approaches, many of us are preparing for a day of relaxation in the middle of nature, and for many this includes an outdoor barbecue. However, it is important to be aware of the legal rules and regulations that govern these activities.
What you need to know if you go to the barbecue on May 1st
Here’s what you need to know before the party starts. What does Law no. 54/2012 regarding the conduct of picnic activities.
- a) – not to destroy, modify or degrade the information panels, markings, indicators, constructions, fences or any other arrangements located in the perimeter of the Leisure Center;
- b) – to throw waste only in specially arranged places;
- c) – to deposit packaging waste selectively in the containers marked according to the waste category, in accordance with the rules regarding selective collection;
- d) – light the fire only in the specially arranged places and supervise it at all times;
- e) – to comply with the schedule of activities of the Leisure Center;
- f) – to leave the place where they carried out the picnic activity clean and unaltered;
- g) – to park vehicles only in areas specially arranged for this purpose;
- h) – to use only the specially arranged places to satisfy physiological needs;
- i) – not to use personal hygiene products at a distance of less than 30 m from watercourses;
- j) – not to wash the objects that served the picnic activity in the waters in the vicinity of the Leisure Base. Spreading on the ground the waste water resulting from the picnic activity or pouring it into the waters in the vicinity of the Leisure Center is prohibited;
- k) – not to feed wild animals;
- l) – not to remove, injure or destroy plants, animals, rocks or any other elements of the natural and/or built environment;
- m) – not to post signs or messages;
- n) – to keep the peace and not disturb local communities, wildlife or other visitors;
- o)- not to throw cigarettes, matches or any other lit objects in places other than those specially arranged;
- p) – to respect public order and good morals, according to the provisions of the legislation in force;
- q) – not to carry out picnic activities outside the premises of the Leisure Base.
Failure to comply with these May 1 rules may attract sanctions, according to the provisions of Law no. 54/2012. Fines vary depending on the provisions violated, from small amounts to significant penalties.
The ISU makes other recommendations for barbecue goers
Also, to ensure security and prevent incidents, the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (ISU) recommends strict compliance with the instructions of forestry personnel and the May 1 fire prevention rules.
- follow the instructions of the forestry staff;
- prepare the fire for food preparation only in specially arranged places, respecting the fire prevention rules;
- make the fire in places as far as possible from vegetation and in no case during excessive drought or in windy conditions;
- do not let children play with fire;
- never leave the fire unattended, as even a light gust of wind could change the direction of the fire, directing the flames towards the vegetation or carrying the incandescent sparks further into the forest;
- maintain cleanliness in the forest: throw away papers, food scraps or bottles in specially arranged places; could contribute to the spread of forest fires;
- put out the fire/hot coals with water or earth before leaving the forest.
