Pubs ignore fire safety

A third of pubs have done nothing to comply with the new fire safety regulations that came into force on 1 October last year.

Hosts who have failed to comply with the Fire Safety Regulatory Reform Order, which made commercial premises responsible for their own fire safety, risk incurring a fine of up to £5,000 and even having their licence revoked.

In addition, licensees could be uninsured against any damage caused by fire,

and leaseholders could also be in breach of their agreements.

A snapshot survey conducted by business consultants New Build Installations, which has a dedicated fire safety team, showed that although 93% were aware of the new regulations, 29% had done nothing to comply with them as yet.

Worryingly, 24% assumed their existing fire certificate was sufficient, 8% did not realise any changes were required and 4% assumed that their premises already conformed.

Only 33% had conducted the necessary risk assessment and introduced a fire safety policy.

"Licensees have a million and one things on their minds and fire safety regulations have been put on the back burner by many," said owner of New Build Installations Richard Dalton.

"It is worrying that a lot of people think their fire certificate is still valid.

"The minimum requirement for anyone employing five or more people is to

carry out a risk assessment and introduce a fire safety policy.

"That could be as basic as noting the risks, putting someone in charge of the policy and reviewing it every six months or so."

Further guidance is available to download from www.communities.gov.uk.