Pubs urged to check insurance for firework displays
Pubs should check they have adequate insurance before running firework displays.
Because of the increasing tendency among the UK public to take legal action over accidents and injuries, many insurance firms are now restricting the cover they offer to exempt special events like firework displays which may involve added risk.
Tony Payne, of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, said: "Licensees should check with their insurers to see if they are covered for any special events. It is getting increasingly difficult to get insured for these events at the moment."
In Northern Ireland, new tougher regulations mean licensees will need a special licence before they can host such an event.
Anyone letting off fireworks without the £30 licence can now be fined up to £5,000, with firework suppliers only allowed to sell to licence holders.
Janice Bisp, Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) safety manager for Northern Ireland, said: "Apart from indoor fireworks and sparklers, it is now illegal to possess, purchase, sell, handle or use any other fireworks except under licence. The safest place to enjoy fireworks is at a properly organised public display."
ROSPA has called for similar licensing schemes across the rest of the UK.
Currently, pubs planning displays need to ensure that they have proper insurance and safety arrangements in place. Last year a Yorkshire licensee was fined £1,000 plus another £1,000 costs when two spectators were injured by a firework at his pub's display.
Firework safety
Guidelines from the Safety Advisory Service for public displays include:
- employ a professional display organiser for large displays - professionals should also have their own insurance
- contact the local authority and fire service at least 28 days before the display to inform them of your plans
- ensure entry is controlled so that the crowd remains manageable
- set out an emergency plan and nominate a first-aider to co-ordinate it
- have water buckets and fire extinguishers on hand if possible.
