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How to Effectively Manage Fire Safety in London’s Expanding Outdoor Dining Scene: Key Strategies for Compliance and Protection in 2025

 

Table of contents

 

Why fire safety for outdoor dining matters in 2025

Outdoor hospitality rose sharply after recent restrictions eased. Consequently, operators added heaters, canopies and temporary kitchens. These changes increase fire risk if unmanaged. Local authorities and the London Fire Brigade expect robust controls.

For legal clarity, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 still applies where premises or structures create a fire risk. For further guidance, consult the official legislation and national guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council. You can also review GOV.UK guidance on workplace fire safety for responsibilities and best practice.

 

How to manage fire safety in London’s outdoor dining scene: a step‑by‑step approach

Start with a thorough fire risk assessment. A competent assessor should identify hazards, people at risk, and existing controls. Where required, use professional services to produce a formal assessment. Total Safe UK provides tailored fire risk assessment services for hospitality operators, and these can be commissioned quickly to meet evolving needs.

“A clear, documented risk assessment is the foundation of all subsequent controls.”

Next, control fuel sources and heating equipment. Gas and electric patio heaters offer comfort, but they also present ignition risks. Install heaters on firm, level ground and follow manufacturer instructions. Ensure all gas appliances are maintained by Gas Safe registered engineers. Store extra fuel securely and away from public areas. For cooking, separate outdoor kitchens from guest circulation. Use spark arrestors and flame supervision devices where applicable.

Design clear and unobstructed escape routes. Outdoor furniture, planters and temporary signage can narrow exits. Therefore, map escape routes as part of the risk assessment. Mark routes visibly with signage and lighting. Also, train staff to remove obstacles quickly during busy service periods.

Provide appropriate fire detection and alarm systems. For semi-permanent outdoor structures, fit detectors linked to the building’s alarm system. Temporary areas need portable detection setups and reliable communication methods to alert staff and call the fire brigade. Moreover, test systems routinely and log each test for compliance records.

Install suitable firefighting equipment and train staff. Position extinguishers where staff can access them easily. For grease fires, use wet chemical extinguishers. For gas or electrical fires, provide CO2 or dry powder types as necessary. Make sure staff know the limitations of each extinguisher and when evacuation is safer than tackling a fire.

 

Permits, planning and local authority engagement

Engage early with your local council and the London Fire Brigade. Planning permission and licences often govern canopies, marquees and fixed heating. Councils may impose conditions for public safety and noise control. Submit plans and risk assessments when applying for street trading licences or planning consents.

For temporary events, follow the council’s event safety guidance and submit an event safety plan. Involve landlords and neighbouring premises in discussions when structures affect shared escape routes. Maintaining clear communication reduces delays and avoids enforcement action.

 

Managing gas and electrical safety outdoors

Gas safety remains a critical area for outdoor dining. Have all gas installations certified and regularly serviced by Gas Safe registered engineers. Place portable cylinders in secure ventilated locations and use approved connectors and regulators. Additionally, check for leaks before each service period.

Electrical installations outdoors need weatherproofing and correct earthing. Use RCD protection and only deploy equipment rated for outdoor use. Avoid trailing cables across guest routes. If temporary cabling is required, use protective coverings and regular inspections to prevent trip hazards and cable damage.

 

Structures, materials and layout choices that reduce risk

Choose fire-retardant materials for canopies and patio umbrellas. Many fabrics now meet relevant British Standards for reaction to fire. For permanent structures, follow guidance for construction and ventilation. Keep canopies at safe distances from adjacent buildings and combustible materials.

Keep a sensible layout for furniture and service zones. Separate cooking, heating and dining areas clearly. For example, position smokers’ areas away from canopies and flammable decorations. Use planters and barriers to create safe buffer zones without restricting escape paths.

 

Staff training, drills and emergency roles

Train staff in evacuation procedures and fire extinguisher use. Run short drills regularly and after layout changes. Assign roles such as fire marshal, evacuation lead and person responsible for calling the fire brigade. Prepare for night-time operations when visibility is reduced. Maintain a simple, laminated emergency action plan for quick reference.

Use training to reinforce hazard awareness. For example, teach teams to recognise signs of a gas leak and the correct isolation procedures. Finally, keep training records and certificates to show due diligence.

 

Monitoring, maintenance and recordkeeping

Schedule routine checks for heaters, gas lines and electrical systems. Record every inspection, test and maintenance action. Good records demonstrate compliance during audits and after any incident.

Keep logs of staff training, fire drills and risk assessments. These documents make it easier to respond to enforcement queries. For more detailed help, Total Safe UK offers fire safety training and staff drills tailored for hospitality operators.

 

Insurance, enforcement and dealing with incidents

Inform your insurer about outdoor dining expansions and new equipment. Failure to declare changes can invalidate cover. Insurers may require specific precautions such as fire-resistant canopies or professional assessments.

If the fire brigade attends an incident, cooperate fully and preserve evidence where safe. Then, review your risk assessment and procedures promptly. Learn from incidents and adjust controls to prevent recurrence.

 

Working with landlords and other stakeholders

Many London venues operate under lease agreements that limit alterations. Discuss proposed changes with landlords early. Share risk assessments and safety plans. Agree responsibilities for maintenance, utilities and emergency access in writing.

Coordinate with neighbouring businesses. Shared alleys and service corridors can form escape routes. Collaborative planning reduces risk for everyone.

 

Adaptations for seasonal and high‑profile events

Peak seasons bring greater footfall and more equipment. Plan for temporary increases in seating and heating. Scale staffing levels and emergency arrangements accordingly.

For high‑profile events, hire additional stewards and consider private security to manage crowd safety. Apply for any special licences early and include fire safety measures in the event plan.

 

Audits, external verification and continuous improvement

Consider periodic audits by an independent fire safety consultancy. External reviews reveal blind spots and provide fresh recommendations. Auditors can validate improvements and support insurance negotiations.

Use audit findings to update training, maintenance schedules and layouts. Continuous improvement helps keep risks low as the outdoor dining scene evolves.

 

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 remains the primary fire safety law for non-domestic premises in England and Wales. For definitive legal guidance consult official sources. The National Fire Chiefs Council provides sector-specific guidance that helps operators interpret best practice. Likewise, GOV.UK publishes clear employer and premises responsibilities for fire safety.

 

Quick checklist for managing outdoor dining fire safety

  • Complete a competent fire risk assessment and review it after changes.
  • Control heating and fuel sources; use Gas Safe engineers for gas work.
  • Maintain clear escape routes and visible signage.
  • Fit suitable detection and alarm systems for semi‑permanent areas.
  • Provide appropriate extinguishers and train staff in their use.
  • Record all inspections, servicing and training.
  • Liaise with local council, landlord and emergency services early.
  • Declare changes to your insurer and update cover where needed.

 

Next steps for operators in London

Start by commissioning a fire risk assessment if you have not already. Then, implement quick wins like reconfiguring furniture and labelling escape routes. For complex changes, engage professional advisers and local authorities. Total Safe UK can support you with assessment, training and practical improvements to help you meet obligations and protect customers.

For tailored assistance, explore Total Safe UK’s fire risk assessment services and book fire safety training and staff drills to make sure your team knows what to do in an emergency.

 

FAQ

Q: Do outdoor dining areas need a fire risk assessment?

A: Yes. Any change that alters fire risk requires an assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Assessments should reflect equipment, structures and customer numbers.

 

Q: Who must maintain gas heaters and cylinders?

A: A Gas Safe registered engineer must service fixed gas appliances. Operators must also store cylinders safely and follow manufacturer guidance for portable heaters.

 

Q: How often should staff have fire safety training?

A: Train staff at induction and refresh training at least yearly. Also, run short drills when layouts or equipment change.

 

Q: What should I do if the council imposes conditions on outdoor dining?

A: Comply with conditions promptly and retain documentation showing the steps taken. If unsure, seek advice from your fire risk assessor or an experienced consultancy.

 

Q: Where can I find official guidance for legal responsibilities?

A: Consult GOV.UK for workplace fire safety guidance and the National Fire Chiefs Council for sector-specific advice.