Hospitality venues face a unique combination of fire risks, including commercial kitchens, electrical equipment, laundry facilities, heating systems and storage areas. Human factors such as smoking materials, the accidental misuse of equipment and poor housekeeping can also increase the likelihood of a fire if not properly managed.

Hotels, guest houses and pubs that provide sleeping accommodation face additional challenges, as guests may be unfamiliar with the building layout and emergency escape routes. For this reason, early fire detection, clear evacuation procedures and well-maintained fire safety systems are essential in helping occupants escape safely should a fire occur.

Hospitality premises such as hotels and pubs have a legal duty to comply with fire safety legislation and ensure appropriate fire precautions are in place.

The main legislation is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which places responsibility on the “Responsible Person” to identify fire risks and implement suitable fire safety measures. Hotels, guest accommodation, pubs, restaurants and leisure venues are all covered by these requirements.

These issues are frequently identified during audits, inspections and fire risk assessments and can lead to enforcement action if not addressed.

Typical compliance requirements include:

• A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment – Regular fire risk assessments help identify hazards, evaluate existing controls and highlight any improvements required to protect occupants.
• Appropriate fire detection and alarm systems – An effective fire detection and alarm system provides early warning and supports rapid evacuation. Hotels and guest accommodation often require enhanced levels of protection due to sleeping risks.
• Emergency lighting – Emergency lighting helps occupants safely navigate escape routes during a power failure or emergency situation.
• Fire extinguishers – Appropriate extinguishers must be located throughout the premises and maintained in accordance with British Standards.
• Fire doors and compartmentation – Fire doors and compartmentation systems help contain smoke and fire, protecting escape routes and providing vital evacuation time.
• Fire safety training – Employees should understand fire procedures, alarm activation, evacuation processes and their responsibilities during an emergency.
• Regular maintenance and servicing of fire safety systems – Regular servicing and inspections help ensure all fire safety systems, such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms and emergency lighting remain operational and compliant.
• Clear emergency evacuation procedures and signage.

British Standards such as BS 5839 (Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems), BS 5266 (Emergency Lighting) and BS 5306 (Fire Extinguishers) provide guidance on system design, installation and maintenance.

Failure to comply can result in enforcement notices, prosecution, substantial fines or even closure of the premises.

Following a fire risk assessment, all areas of the premises were reviewed, including guest accommodation, customer areas, kitchen facilities and staff areas. The assessment considered fire hazards, means of escape, fire detection and warning arrangements, emergency lighting, fire-fighting equipment and fire safety management procedures.

The findings of the fire risk assessment identified the need to upgrade the existing fire alarm provision to a Category L1 Addressable Fire Alarm System, providing comprehensive automatic fire detection throughout the premises, including the guest accommodation areas.

The Queens Arms required a fire alarm solution designed around its accommodation layout while minimising disruption to the day-to-day operation of the business.

The completed installation provides comprehensive fire detection coverage throughout the premises, helping to support the safety of guests, visitors and staff while meeting the fire safety requirements associated with sleeping accommodation.

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Surrey Fire & Safety delivers reliable, fully compliant fire protection services backed by a BAFE certification as well as many other certifications and accreditations. We also have extensive experience in the hospitality sector and we provide competitive maintenance packages, rapid response support and 24/7 emergency call-out cover to help keep your business, staff and guests safe.

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