Fire Risk Assessment for Pubs, Bars & Restaurants
Professional Fire Risk Assessments for Licensed Premises Across South Wales
Helping Publicans, Restaurateurs and Bar Operators Stay Compliant, Legal & Protected
Fire Risk Assessments for Licensed Premises in South Wales
FireBugged provides professional fire risk assessments for pubs, bars, restaurants and other licensed premises across South Wales. Hospitality venues combine several of the highest fire risks in one building: busy kitchens, large numbers of people who do not know the layout, late-night operation, alcohol, and in many cases sleeping accommodation on the floors above. If you run a licensed premises, you have a legal duty to make sure it is covered by a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.
Led by Paul Williams, a Level 4 qualified Fire Risk Assessor with over 26 years’ experience, we work with independent publicans, restaurant groups and bar operators across Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Bridgend, Pontypridd and the wider South Wales region. Every assessment is carried out personally by Paul, with a full written report issued within 48 hours.
Are Fire Risk Assessments a Legal Requirement for Licensed Premises?
Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every licensed premises is non-domestic and falls within scope, so the responsible person must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out and kept under review. Because most licensed premises employ five or more people, the assessment must be recorded in writing.
Fire safety and licensing are closely linked. A current fire risk assessment is frequently expected in support of a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003, and the fire and rescue service is a responsible authority in the licensing process. Where your venue has letting rooms or staff accommodation above, the assessment must also account for the sleeping risk, which raises the standard of fire precautions required. In Wales, these duties are enforced by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, which inspects hospitality premises actively and can issue enforcement or prohibition notices where fire safety is not being properly managed.
What Does a Licensed Premises Fire Risk Assessment Cover?
A FireBugged assessment looks at the whole premises, from the public areas through to the kitchen, cellar and any accommodation. It will cover:
- Escape routes and exits: checked for suitability at full occupancy and kept clear and available throughout opening hours
- Kitchen fire risks: cooking equipment, extraction ductwork, oils and fats assessed as major ignition sources
- Fire doors: internal and final exit doors checked for correct installation, self-closing and condition
- Fire detection and alarm systems: assessing type and coverage, including the higher standard needed where people sleep on site
- Emergency lighting: essential in dimly lit bars and restaurants and during a power failure
- Firefighting equipment: the right extinguishers and fire blankets, correctly sited and serviced, including kitchen provision
- Occupancy and crowd management: reviewing safe capacity and how staff would evacuate a busy venue
- Cellar and plant areas: gas, CO2 and electrical risks assessed
- Sleeping accommodation: letting rooms or staff flats above assessed for the raised risk this creates
- Staff training and fire safety management: checking arrangements, drills and record-keeping
- Photographic evidence of all findings
- A written report with prioritised recommendations and clear timescales for remedial action
What Type of Licensed Premises Do We Assess?
We carry out fire risk assessments for licensed and hospitality premises of every kind across South Wales, including:
- Pubs and public houses, including those with rooms above
- Restaurants, cafés and bistros
- Bars, cocktail bars and micropubs
- Nightclubs and late-night venues
- Social clubs and members’ clubs
- Hotels and inns with bars and restaurants
- Takeaways and premises with commercial kitchens
Who Is Responsible for the Fire Risk Assessment?
For a licensed premises, the responsible person is usually the licensee, business owner or employer in control of the venue. Where the premises are leased or tied, responsibilities can be shared between the operator and the pub company or property owner, particularly for the building structure and any accommodation above. Where control is split, the law requires the parties to cooperate and share fire safety information. If you are not sure where your duty begins and ends, Paul can help you establish it before the assessment.
How Often Should a Licensed Premises Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?
Given the higher risk profile of hospitality, licensed premises assessments should be reviewed regularly, as a minimum annually, and sooner whenever something changes. This includes:
- A refit, extension or change to the layout or capacity
- Installation of new kitchen or extraction equipment
- Bringing letting rooms or accommodation into use
- A change of licensee or responsible person
- Any fire, near-miss or enforcement action
Areas We Cover
We provide licensed premises fire risk assessments across South Wales, including:
- Cardiff
- Newport
- Swansea
- Bridgend
- Vale of Glamorgan
- Pontypridd
- The South Wales Valleys and surrounding areas
Need a fire risk assessment for your pub, bar or restaurant? Get in touch today for a fast, professional response and no-obligation quote.
FireBugged provides licensed premises fire risk assessments across South Wales. Get in touch to discuss your requirements or request a quote.