Fire Safety Cardiff: What Small Hospitality Businesses Need to Know in 2026
- Maryna Farrell
- Jan 8
- 3 min read
For cafés, bars, restaurants and small hospitality venues across Cardiff, fire safety isn’t something to revisit only when something goes wrong. It’s a legal responsibility - and one that plays a crucial role in protecting customers, staff, and your business itself.
As we move into a new year, it’s a good time to make sure your approach to your fire safety requirements are still fit for purpose, compliant with UK law, and reflective of how your premises operates today.
Fire Safety Responsibilities Under UK Law
In Wales, fire safety in commercial premises is governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This legislation applies to almost all non-domestic buildings, including hospitality venues of every size.
Under this law, every business must appoint a Responsible Person - usually the owner, operator, or manager.
That person is legally required to 👇🏼
Identify fire risks within the premises
Put appropriate fire safety measures in place
Maintain fire protection systems
Ensure staff are trained and informed
Keep relevant records where required
Fire safety for your Cardiff business isn’t optional. Failure to meet these duties can result in enforcement action, fines, or prosecution.
Fire Risk Assessments: The Foundation of Fire Safety
Every hospitality business must carry out a fire risk assessment. This is the starting point for all fire safety decisions and should reflect the specific risks of your premises - particularly important in hospitality settings where cooking equipment, electrical appliances and high footfall increase fire risk.
A suitable fire risk assessment will 👇🏼
Identify potential fire hazards
Determine who may be at risk
Evaluate existing fire safety measures
Recommend actions to reduce or control risk
While the law doesn’t specify how often assessments must be reviewed, best practice is to revisit them annually, or sooner if you make changes to your layout, equipment, or how the building is used.
Keeping this assessment up to date is a core part of your fire safety compliance.
Ongoing Fire Safety Checks You Should Be Carrying Out
Fire safety doesn’t end with a risk assessment. Regular checks and maintenance are essential to ensure systems will work when needed.
Fire Alarm Systems
Weekly user tests should be carried out to confirm the system operates correctly
Professional servicing should take place at least every six months, in line with British Standards
Fire Extinguishers
Visual checks should be carried out routinely
Extinguishers must be maintained by a competent person, typically annually
Escape Routes and Fire Doors
Escape routes must be kept clear at all times
Emergency lighting and signage should be visible and functional
Fire doors must close properly and never be wedged open
These routine actions form part of your ongoing fire safety obligations and should be logged for accountability.
Staff Training and Fire Procedures as part of you Fire Safety
In hospitality settings, staff are often the first people on site when something goes wrong. UK fire safety law requires employers to provide adequate fire safety training.
This includes 👇🏼
Understanding evacuation procedures
Knowing how to raise the alarm
Awareness of escape routes
Basic instruction on fire extinguishers (where appropriate)
Fire drills should also be carried out periodically to ensure staff are confident and familiar with procedures. Well-trained staff significantly reduce risk in an emergency.
Record Keeping and Documentation
If you employ five or more people, keeping written fire safety records is a legal requirement - but even smaller teams benefit from clear documentation.
Records should include:
Fire risk assessments and reviews
Fire alarm and equipment test logs
Maintenance certificates
Staff training records
These documents demonstrate compliance and are invaluable if your business is inspected by fire authorities.
Fire Safety for your Cardiff Business is a Smart Business Decision
Fire safety isn’t just about meeting legal requirements. For hospitality businesses, it also protects your reputation, reduces disruption, and helps safeguard long-term viability.
Regular reviews, clear procedures, and properly maintained systems ensure your venue remains safe, compliant, and prepared - whatever the year brings.
If you’re unsure whether your current setup meets fire safety expectations, professional guidance (from someone like us) can help bring clarity and confidence.
Sources:
UK Government – Fire safety responsibilities for businesses
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – legislation overview
Fire risk assessment guidance for commercial premises
Hospitality fire safety guidancehttps://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/the-workplace/takeaways-cafes-and-restaurants/
