In 2009 the Communities and Local Government (CLG) introduced a guide for small accommodation providers. The booklet provides advice on complying with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) for operators of small bed and breakfast accommodation and similar premises. It has been developed with the assistance of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and many of the industry stakeholders and applies to similar premises in Wales.

The booklet provides a basis for ensuring risk appropriate fire safety and enforcement activity within this sector of the hospitality industry and is fully supported by the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The 'Do you have paying guests?' booklet is a result of work by the Communities and Local Government, industry representatives and the Fire and Rescue Service (through the NFCC Fire Safety Order Working Group) to improve understanding of the FSO and compliance requirements among small, independent providers of accommodation. It sets out a number of minimum fire safety benchmarks which such premises need to consider to ensure an adequate level of fire safety.

It is specifically targeted at the owners ('responsible persons') of bed and breakfast establishments, small guest houses, self-catering operators, AirBnB, holiday cottages and other small premises providing accommodation for paying guests. It has been developed in response to industry concerns over the impact of the FSO on these types of businesses, the majority of which have previously been outside the scope of fire safety legislation.

Organisations representing providers of such accommodation have been consulted on the development of the booklet.

To download a PDF version of the guidance free of charge, please click here