The Licensing Act 2003 came into force on 24 November 2004 and introduced a single licensing scheme for premises which:

• Supply alcohol;
• Provide regulated entertainment;
• Provide late night refreshment.

The Act has four principle objectives:

• The prevention of crime and disorder;
• Public safety;
• The prevention of public nuisance;
• The protection of children from harm.

As a responsible authority, we are required to comment on the fire safety provisions and notify the licensing authority on the suitability of premises. To enable us to do this you must send us:

• A copy of the application
• A copy of the operating schedule
• A plan of the premises in the prescribed form

It would also be beneficial if you could send us a copy of your Fire Risk Assessment (refer to the ‘Useful Links’ section for further help), although there is no legal requirement to do this.

Following receipt of an application, we may decide to audit the premises to determine its suitability. This audit will be carried out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The Government has produced sector-specific guidance (see the Useful Links section) for small, medium and large places of an assembly which provides valuable information on your responsibilities and technical guidance for the majority of premises. We strongly recommend that applicants follow this guidance which should enable them to demonstrate public safety in respect of fire.

If you have any questions regarding fire safety legislation please approach your local fire safety office.

Licensing Act 2003
View the fire safety legislation in full.

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order
View the fire safety legislation in full.

Fire Risk Assessment
Find out more about the assessment and how to carry one out on the fire risk assessment tab.

Guidance
For detailed information to support risk assessment and other issues relating to fire safety regulation go to the Fire Safety Guidance tab.

Your Local Fire Safety Office
Local Fire Safety Offices are available for further information from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Making you safe
Click here for a short guide to making your premises safe from fire.