BLUE RHINO CORP, 10-K, EX-23.1, 2000-10-30

BLUE RHINO CORP
10-K, EX-23.1, 2000-10-30
RETAIL STORES, NEC

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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated September
26, 2000, except for Note 19, as to which the date is October 26, 2000, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule included in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Blue Rhino Corporation for the year ended July 31,
2000, in the following:

     - Form S-8 (No. 333-80909) pertaining to the Company's Amended and Restated
       Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors;

     - Form S-8 (No. 333-80907) pertaining to the Company's 1994 Stock Incentive
       Plan;

     - Form S-8 (No. 333-80911) pertaining to the Company's 1998 Stock Incentive
       Plan;

     - Form S-8 (No. 333-94039) pertaining to the Company's Employee Stock
       Purchase Plan.

                                                 /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
October 27, 2000