Press Release

Make safety the number one priority in
entertainment premises this Christmas

Monday, 12 December 2005

The Chairman of Derry City Council’s Environmental Services Committee, Cllr. Martin Reilly, has issued a timely appeal to owners and patrons of entertainment premises to be extra vigilant and safety conscious about potential fire risks during the Christmas and New Year period. Cllr. Reilly has called on business operators to check that fire extinguishers, emergency lighting and fire alarms are in good working order. He’s urged premises owners and patrons alike to make safety their ”Number One Priority” this festive season.

Cllr. Reilly advises that Fire Exit doors and escape routes should be checked daily to ensure that they are free from locks and obstructions. He points out that in recent weeks council officers have found skips and vehicles parked in front of the external face of exit doors, which is extremely dangerous as it can hinder the evacuation of the premises.

Extra furniture, chairs or tables should not be put out where they can block an exit. Council officers have detected escape routes being used as storage areas for beer kegs, crates and bins, a practice he describes as “ foolish and dangerous “.

Cllr. Reilly adds that licensees should ensure that exit signs are always illuminated, with bulbs replaced at regular intervals. ”Any defects are totally unacceptable and could have disastrous consequences should an emergency evacuation be necessary”, he points out. “On no account must any lapses in safety standards be permitted. “

“Entertainment licence holders must appreciate the overriding responsibility they have for the health and safety of all who work in or use their premises”, says Councillor Reilly. “When the Council issues an entertainment licence it expects the holder to comply with current safety standards. To help them do so, the Council has produced a safety advice leaflet, which will be delivered during the round of inspections, which are being stepped up during the next month.

Members of the public who are on a night out should take personal responsibility and satisfy themselves that exit doors are clear and that the premises are not overcrowded. If not, 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.

“It is not the Council’s intention to spoil people’s enjoyment, but we expect, people to be able to enjoy themselves in safety”, says Councillor Reilly. “So, let’s make safety our Number One Priority this Christmas.”

Ends

Further press information can be obtained by contacting the Marketing and Communications Section, Derry City Council. Tel. 028 7137 6504.

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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