Pubs and small business are unaware of new fire regulations

28 September, 2006

Nearly half of all pubs, bars and restaurants not aware of changes

Licensees claim they are in the dark about new fire safety regulations which come into force on Sunday (October 1).

Business organisations have attacked the government for failing to promote the new laws, which could leave pubs which fail to comply facing fines of up to £5,000.

Under the new laws responsibility for fire safety has been shifted to owners and employers - who are now required to assess fire risks on their premises.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) condemned the government after research revealed that nearly half of bars, pubs and restaurants were unaware of the change.

Spokesman Paul Coughlan said: “The publicity campaign has not been good enough. Not enough small businesses know about it.”

 Paul Coughlan of PSC has been working with small business and education establishments for the last three years and said “our aim is to reduce the burden on small businesses and help any company comply with this new law”

If you visit the PSC fire safety web site www.pscfiresafety.com sign up for our free guide to home fire safety.

There are a few solutions to this problem we have sourced a do it yourself pack or we can visit your establishment and do the risk assessment for you.

PSC used an approved format from Leicester Fire and Rescue Service and understand the requirements under the new fire safety regulations which come into force on Sunday (October 1).

At PSC we would be interested to hear from any company that have had a visit from their local fire and rescue service or have tried to get information regarding the up and coming changes, and what the charges the fire and rescue service have charged.

If this has happened to you email the details to paul@pscfiresafety.com

The government’s Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), which is responsible for publicising the new laws, said it had sent out around 1.5 million information leaflets to “as many targeted small and medium-sized businesses as possible, including licensees”.

Advertisements have been running in the media, seminars have been staged around the country and information has been made available online, said the department.

However, Mr Briault believes this is not enough. “There are 4.3 million small businesses in the UK alone,” he said. “If they’ve direct mailed 1.5 million, then what about the rest?”

The FSB has also criticised local fire services for their inconsistent provision of advice to businesses, and the fact that some departments have charged for advice.

The DCLG said there was an onus on pub owners to make themselves aware of any upcoming changes in legislation. A spokeswoman said: “Any business that recognises the significant risks posed by fire in the workplace will keep up-to-date with changes in requirements under law.”