New fire rules cause licensees headaches

Preparations for the new fire safety regulations, due in October, are causing licensees major financial headaches.

The changes, which affect all businesses in England and Wales, will see a shift of responsibility to owners and employers - who will be required to assess fire risks on their premises. Licensees will also be responsible, not only for customers and employees, but anyone else in the immediate vicinity.

What will the new rules mean?

* Fire safety certificates will be abolished and cease to have legal status

*Responsibility for complying with the new rules will rest with the "responsible person" in a workplace, ie the licensee

* The "responsible person" must carry out a fire risk assessment focusing on the safety, in case of fire, of all "relevant persons"

* If you employ five or more people you must record the significant findings of the assessment

The new rules will only apply in England and Wales

To download a guide to the new legislation go to: www.communities.gov.uk

Full article on: www.thepublican.com