Running a bar or pub comes with a range of health and safety responsibilities. To help you stay compliant and protect your business, here are answers to some of the most common health and safety questions bar and pub owners ask.

 

1. What are the essential health and safety documents for bars and pubs?

Every bar and pub should have key documents in place, including:

• Risk assessments (fire safety, slips and trips, manual handling, etc.)
• Fire safety procedures and evacuation plans
• Accident reporting forms
• Food safety and hygiene policies (if serving food or snacks)
• COSHH assessments for hazardous substances (e.g., cleaning chemicals)
• Staff training records for health and safety procedures

Having these documents ensures you comply with legal regulations and protect your staff and customers.

Find our Comprehensive Bar & Pub Health and Safety Template Collection here.

 

 

2. What risk assessments are required for a bar or pub?

Bars and pubs must complete risk assessments covering:

• Slips, trips, and falls (spillages, wet floors, uneven surfaces)
• Fire hazards (electrical safety, alcohol storage, kitchen risks)
• Manual handling (lifting kegs, crates, and stock)
• Alcohol-related incidents (handling intoxicated customers)
• Noise levels (protecting staff from long-term hearing damage)

Regular risk assessments help identify hazards and implement control measures to reduce risk.

Find our Bar & Pub Risk Assessment Template here.

 

 

3. How can I prevent slips, trips, and falls in my bar or pub?

Slips and trips are one of the most common workplace accidents in bars and pubs. To reduce the risk:

• Clean up spills immediately and use “wet floor” signs
• Use non-slip flooring behind the bar and in high-risk areas
• Ensure proper lighting to highlight potential hazards
• Train staff to wear appropriate, slip-resistant footwear

Preventing these incidents helps protect both staff and customers from injuries.

Find our Accident Report Form Template here.

 

 

4. What fire safety measures should my bar or pub have?

Fire safety is critical in any bar or pub. You must have:

• A fire risk assessment identifying potential hazards
• Clearly marked fire exits and evacuation routes
• Fire extinguishers and suppression systems in high-risk areas
• Regular electrical safety checks
• Staff training on fire prevention and evacuation procedures

Failing to meet fire safety regulations can result in severe penalties and put lives at risk.

Find our Fire Safety Template Collection here.

 

 

5. What are the food hygiene requirements for bars and pubs?

If your bar or pub serves food, you must follow strict food hygiene regulations:

• Store food safely to prevent contamination
• Maintain proper allergen labelling to protect customers with allergies
• Ensure regular cleaning and pest control measures
• Train all food-handling staff in hygiene best practices

Following food safety laws helps you avoid fines, reputational damage, and customer illness.

Find our Bar & Pub Risk Assessment Template here.

 

 

6. How can I ensure responsible alcohol service in my bar or pub?

To prevent alcohol-related incidents, your staff should:

• Know when to refuse service to intoxicated or underage customers
• Encourage responsible drinking by offering lower-alcohol alternatives
• Be trained in conflict management to handle difficult situations
• Follow your licensing laws and restrictions

Proper training ensures a safer environment and helps you comply with licensing requirements.

Find our Bar & Pub Risk Assessment Template here.

 

 

7. What first aid requirements must a bar or pub meet?

Bars and pubs must have:

• A fully stocked first aid kit available at all times
• At least one staff member trained in basic first aid
• A procedure for dealing with injuries and recording incidents

Ensuring your team is prepared helps manage injuries, intoxication-related incidents, and other emergencies.

Find our Accident Report Form Template here.

 

 

8. How can I protect staff from manual handling injuries?

Lifting heavy kegs, stock, crates etc. can cause serious injuries. To protect staff:

• Provide manual handling training to show proper lifting techniques
• Use trolleys or lifting aids to move heavy items
• Encourage regular breaks to prevent overexertion

Implementing these measures reduces workplace injuries and promotes staff well-being.

Find our Bar & Pub Risk Assessment Template here.

 

 

9. What security measures should my bar or pub have?

To keep both customers and staff safe, consider:

• Installing CCTV cameras for security monitoring
• Having trained door staff if required
• Creating a policy for handling aggressive customers
• Ensuring staff know when to call the police or emergency services

Good security reduces theft, violence, and disorderly behaviour, keeping your business safe.

 

 

10. How can I maintain a safe and compliant bar or pub?

To keep your business legally compliant and safe:

• Review and update health and safety policies at regular intervals
• Conduct staff training sessions on key safety topics
• Perform routine checks on fire safety, hygiene, and risk assessments
• Keep detailed records of all safety procedures

Prioritising health and safety protects your business, staff, and customers, ensuring long-term success.

Find our Comprehensive Bar & Pub Health and Safety Template Bundle here.

 

 

Need Ready-to-Use Health and Safety Templates for Your Bar or Pub?

Managing health and safety doesn’t have to be difficult. At easyhealthandsafety.com, we provide pre-made risk assessments, fire safety templates, accident report forms, and more—designed specifically for bars and pubs. Save time, reduce risks, and ensure compliance with our easy-to-use documents.

 

Shop Health and Safety Templates for Bars & Pubs Here