Press Release

Christmas Fire Safety Warning In Places Of Public Entertainment

Thursday, 06 December 2007

Councillor Gerry MacLochlainn, Chairman of Derry City Council’s Environmental Services (Licensing) Committee has issued a timely appeal to owners and patrons of entertainment premises to be extra vigilant and safety conscious to fire risks during the Christmas and New Year periods.

Cllr. MacLochlainn advises owners of entertainment premises to ensure that their safety arrangements are in order well before the celebrations begin and asks that premises owners now check that all fire extinguishers, emergency lighting and fire alarms etc. to ensure that they are in good working order.

“Fire Exit Doors and Escape Routes should be checked daily to ensure that they are free from locks and obstructions and available for use when the premises are open to the general public. Particular attention should be given to the external face of emergency exit doors to ensure that no vehicles or other physical obstructions such as skips are impacting upon safe escape and evacuation. In recent times Council officers have detected such items as skips and vehicles parked in front of the external face of exit doors.

“Licensees should ensure that exit signs are always illuminated and bulbs must be replaced at regular intervals, these defects are totally unacceptable and could have disastrous consequences should an emergency evacuation be necessary from any premises. On no account must this type of activity be permitted.

“Holders of entertainment licences must appreciate the overriding responsibility they have with regard to the health and safety of all that work in or use their premises”, says Councillor MacLochlainn. The Council when issuing an entertainment licence expects all entertainment licence holders to always comply with all current safety standards. To this end the Council has produced a safety advice leaflet, which will be delivered to each licensed premises during ongoing inspections.

He went on, “Licence holders are also reminded that they must not allow their premises to become overcrowded at any time. Extra furniture such as tables, chairs or additional seating should not be put out which may obstruct people trying to leave a premises in the event of an emergency”. Councillor MacLochlainn added, “Council official will be stepping up their programme of inspections and spot checks of premises leading up to the festive season.” He appealed to members of the general public and the business community to make safety their No. 1 priority.

Members of the public are advised to always satisfy themselves when they visit any entertainment premises that they are safe, that exit doors are not locked or obstructed or that the premises are not overcrowded. If such risks are detected they should immediately report the matter to the manager of the premises and then to the Council and the Fire Brigade. Licensees found to be in breach of licensing conditions may find themselves liable to prosecution and, if convicted, the Council may revoke the licence. Any licensee convicted of a breach of the terms and conditions of an entertainment licence faces a fine of up to £5,000, or if convicted for overcrowding, a fine of up to £20,000 or up to 6 months imprisonment or both. The higher penalties also apply to anyone convicted of providing entertainment without a licence.

In previous years, Council officers have detected escape routes being used as storage areas for beer kegs, crates and bins etc. This practise is foolish and dangerous and will not be tolerated by inspecting officers. “It is not the Council’s intention to spoil people’s enjoyment, but what we would expect, is that people can enjoy themselves in safety”, said Councillor MacLochlainn.

Ends

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