Staff from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s Business Fire Safety Department are reminding those who own or run licensed premises that fire safety should be a priority over the festive season and beyond.

This follows on from a number of serious fires at public houses across the UK, including a fire above a pub on Church Street, Connah’s Quay earlier this month.

Lee Williams, Deputy Head of Business Fire Safety at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“As the owner or manager of licensed premises you may be the ‘Responsible Person’ and as such you have a duty to comply with legislation relating to Fire Safety within your premises. The legislation which applies is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

“We’re reminding that it is important that all systems have been checked and staff are trained in the fire emergency plan, so in the unlikely event of an emergency, all patrons evacuate as quickly as possible.  

“There may be changes to layouts and/or the addition of external seating areas which also need taking into account when considering fire safety.”

Lee is issuing the advice below:

• Make sure that your Fire Risk Assessment is up to date, particularly if you are using marquees or other temporary structures, as these need to be considered as part of any fire risk assessment. Outdoor seating areas must not hinder people escaping from the establishment in the event of an emergency.
• Ensure that the fire alarm has been tested weekly and any faults rectified by a competent Fire Alarm Engineer, who should also service the fire alarm at least annually.
• Emergency lighting, again should be tested monthly and serviced annually.
• All fire exits must be available for use when the premises is open.
• Smoking control measures should be checked to ensure that there are suitable outside smoking areas with cigarette butt receptacles, away from the building if possible and not close to bins.
• It would be worth refreshing your staff on the emergency evacuation plan for the premises.
• Ensure that all the fire extinguishers are in working order, have been tested annually and are sited on suitable brackets/stands.
• Fire doors must not be wedged open.