Nightclubs, bars and pubs:

Crowded dark spaces, loud music, alcohol, and pyrotechnics all mean an increased risk of fire in nightclubs, bars and pubs, if not properly controlled. 

If you’re the Duty Holder for a pub, club or similar licensed premises, you’re required to take reasonable steps to protect staff and customers from fire. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and keep people safe. 

Fire Risk Assessments for licensed premises 

You must have a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) that’s kept up-to-date, and reflects how your venue actually operates - especially during busy nights and special events. Your FRA should consider: 

• Ignition sources (such as flames and pyrotechnics)
• Combustible materials and decorations
• Maximum occupancy and escape routes
• Fire detection, alarms, and staff response
• Emergency procedures and training 

If anything changes, for example layouts, capacity, entertainment, or effects - you’ll need to review and update your FRA.  

For guidance on your FRA see GOV.UK’s 5 step checklist. 

Pyrotechnics and ignition sources  

Pyrotechnics significantly increase fire risk in nightclubs, bars and pubs. This includes: 

• Sparklers and ice fountains
• Indoor fireworks
• Flame effects and blowtorches used on drinks 

These pyrotechnics can easily ignite nearby materials, especially combustible materials and decorations. 

What you need to do: 

• Assess their storage, use and disposal in your FRA
• Keep them well away from combustible materials
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions at all times
• Ideally avoid staff or customer-handled pyrotechnics altogether 

What we recommend: 

We recommend suspending the use of pyrotechnics until you’ve re-assessed their risks, put appropriate control measures in place, and refreshed your staff training.

Decorative materials, wall linings, and ceiling features 

Decorations and sound-proofing materials can allow a fire to spread very quickly.  

This includes: 

• Drapes and fabrics
• Floral displays
• Wall and ceiling linings
• Sound insulation materials
• Seasonal decorations, for example Christmas, Halloween, and sporting events  

What you need to do: 

• Use fire-resistant or flame-retardant materials only
• Keep decorations away from heat, flames, and pyrotechnics
• Remove damaged or non-compliant items immediately
• Some materials may have a special fire-resistant treatment that can wear off over time, especially after washing, so reapply the treatment regularly. 

Capacity management and escape routes 

Overcrowding and poor escape routes can dramatically increase risk. 

Fire exits and escape routes: 

• must never be locked when the venue is in use
• must be kept clear and unobstructed at all times
• must be checked regularly, including for neighbours above your premises
• must consider people with disabilities (see the GOV.UK guide on means of escape for disabled people)
• should be clearly visible, especially in low-light conditions 

Capacity limits: 

• Don’t exceed the maximum capacity set out in your Premises Licence or FRA
• Fire exits are designed for a specific number of people, and exceeding this can be fatal in an emergency 

Fire detection and alarm systems in loud venues  

Clubs, pubs and bars are noisy environments. This can delay evacuation if alarms go unheard. 

Best practice includes: 

• Sound systems that automatically shut down when the fire alarm activates
• If this isn’t possible (for example at a live performance), clear procedures to alert staff and customers
• Regular testing and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems
• Maintenance carried out to recognised standards
• Staff fire safety training and competence 

All staff, including door supervisors and temporary workers, must be trained in: 

• Fire risks, including pyrotechnics
• How to raise the alarm
• Evacuation procedures
• The actions to take in an emergency, including ‘shepherding’ customers calmly to exits

Where flame effects are used, close-down procedures must be developed, and followed every time. 

Staff training should be refreshed regularly and recorded. 

Emergency preparedness and fire action plans 

Every pub, club or bar must have a clear emergency plan, which includes: 

• How a fire will be detected
• How customers and staff will evacuate
• Individual staff responsibilities during an emergency
• Who will contact the fire and rescue service 

Plans should be rehearsed, understood by staff, and reviewed after drills or incidents. 

Common causes of fire in pubs, clubs and bars 

• Electrical faults - these often happen when portable items aren't properly tested and maintained, or when the electrical system itself isn't in good condition. Ensure electrical items are tested and maintained regularly.
• Electrical equipment - we see many fires where lighting is placed too close to flammable materials.
• Smoking - smoking materials being disposed of carelessly, or smoking allowed in inappropriate areas. Have a smoking policy, and enforce it!
• Arson - if you store stock or rubbish in a publicly accessible place, this increases your risk.
• Naked flames - candles, open fires and other heat sources can cause fires if too close to combustible materials such as artificial or dried foliage. 

Next steps  

We urge the owners and operators of pubs, clubs and bars to: 

• Carry out an immediate review of their Fire Risk Assessment
• Reassess or suspend pyrotechnics until risks are controlled
• Refresh staff fire safety training 

Further fire safety advice 

Further fire safety advice is available on GOV.UK: 

• Fire safety risk assessment: small and medium places of assembly (up to 300 people)
• Fire safety risk assessment: large places of assembly (over 300 people) 

You can also contact your local LFB Fire Safety team.