Today I heard something on the radio that I just HAD to ask about here ... given that some of you folks live a lot closer than me,
It concerns an apparent plan by some in Belgium to tax folks for firing up their grills for the weekend BBQ. The claim made was that this polluted and that because of same the government felt justified to levy a better than $30 US tax for every lighting of a backyard grill.
The point I'm REALLY curious about involves the police powers employed to make sure everyone pays: ot was claimed they were going to put Thermal Sensors of a Heliocopter and fly it arround looking for undeclaired BBQs.
Of course, heliocopters pollute many times over what a mere grill will. Then there's paying for the fuel, insurance and pilot.
Is this real or was it just some April 1st gag blown out of porportions?
ALSO: as a side note, if this IS REAL ... I would highly encourage y'all European forumites starting a venture to make Electric BBQ grills that don't polute (just a little liquid smoke and save your tax money). The ads virtually write themselves:
Save the Earth by Roasting one Evil Bovine on our Pollutionless Grill at a time.
and
Steak taste better with a Tax Cut!
BBQ Tax and Heliocopters (Oh my!)
BBQ Tax and Heliocopters (Oh my!)
Standup Philosopher
"Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball"
"Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball"
"Council inspectors to demand £5 'carbon offset' for barbecues"
It was written up in the Daily Mail with the author April Baddely-Burns.
"A spokesman for B&Q said they were looking at producing new 'green' barbecues to cut down CO2 emissions.
One idea is to harness the warmth created by rotting compost, but these would require a chef to start cooking days in advance.
So-called 'friction barbecues' powered by a guest on a stationary exercise bike are also being examined."
edit:
http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/worstaprilfools.html
It was written up in the Daily Mail with the author April Baddely-Burns.
"A spokesman for B&Q said they were looking at producing new 'green' barbecues to cut down CO2 emissions.
One idea is to harness the warmth created by rotting compost, but these would require a chef to start cooking days in advance.
So-called 'friction barbecues' powered by a guest on a stationary exercise bike are also being examined."
edit:
http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/worstaprilfools.html