Galway is known for its lively hospitality scene, with pubs, restaurants and venues full of people during festivals and busy weekends. When numbers rise, so does the importance of getting fire safety right.
What makes hospitality premises busy and complex
- Peak-season crowds that can exceed what a venue sees most of the year.
- Live music and events that may change layouts and block exits.
- Older buildings with narrow doorways, upstairs rooms and winding stairs.
- Kitchens with fryers, grills and extraction.
- Staff turnover, especially seasonal and student staff.
- Outdoor areas, heaters and smoking spaces with their own risks.
What the assessment typically covers
- Exit routes and doors: capacity, signage and whether doors open easily from inside.
- Events and layout changes: how stages, furniture and decorations affect escape.
- Alarm audibility over music and noise.
- Emergency lighting in dark areas.
- Kitchen safety: cooking oils, extraction and equipment. See our guide on kitchen extraction and grease.
- Patio heaters and outdoor structures, including how close they are to awnings and furniture.
- Smoking areas and waste, including bins close to walls.
- Staff briefings and drills, including for seasonal workers.
- Records of checks and servicing.
Practical steps
- Review exit capacity and layout before big events or the busy season.
- Brief seasonal staff on day one and keep a signed record.
- Keep fire exits clear, particularly during deliveries and set-up.
- Keep gas heaters and cylinders secure and away from combustible materials.
Your duties
The Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 expect a person in control of premises to take reasonable measures to guard against fire and protect people. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 also applies to your staff.
Speak to us
We provide fire risk assessments in Galway for hospitality businesses of all sizes. Call 086 275 9728 or email info@safersolutions.ie for a no-obligation chat.