Legal Health & Safety: All right on the (bonfire) night

There's a nip in the air and the nights are starting to draw in - a sure sign that autumn has arrived, heralding the Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night 'double header'.

But will it be two nights of fun and party frolics or two nights fraught with danger for pubs, clubs and hotels up and down the country?

First let's look at the centuries-old tradition of Hallowe'en, which originated as a pagan festival. These days, it's a time for a good old knees-up and most hostelries have themed Hallowe'en night celebrations.

There are costumes to make - or hire - while bar and lounge areas are transformed into the haunt of witches, beasties and all things macabre, being decorated with streamers, atmospheric coloured papers and other fanciful items. So far so good.

Now we light the candles and wait for the fun to begin when the party-goers arrive. But will it be fun? For there is no greater fire risk than lighted candles flickering around highly combustible decorations - it could be a recipe for disaster.

With this in mind, all staff should be constantly aware of the potential hazards and stay alert to deal with any possible incidents.

Bonfire Night

But these potential risks pale into insignificance when put alongside the threats posed on Bonfire Night.

Any bonfires should be lit on the site's car park or similar open space and the fireworks should be completely under the control of, and only set off by, someone who is registered and licensed to do so.

On no account allow indoor fireworks to be lit inside the premises - even the apparently harmless sparkler burns at 2,000 degrees centigrade!

On both evenings food will also feature high on the agenda so be sure that hygiene standards are observed to the letter. Be safe, not sorry.

Is there anything special I need to know about storing fireworks?

Q I usually buy a load of fireworks prior to bonfire night as I have a firework display in the garden of my pub. What advice can you give me about storing these safely and what advice can you give me regarding the display on the night? ​

A​ Firework events are fraught with problems and special care must be taken as so many things can go horribly wrong.

Seek advice in full from your local fire brigade or local authority; it could be that you need a licence in your area. If you insist on keeping

fireworks then keeping them in a lockable metal cupboard is ideal.

Fireworks not currently being lit on the night should also be kept stored in a metal, lockable, fireproof container.

On the night itself onlookers should be kept well away from the point of ignition. Managed correctly and served with warming food and good ale your customers and yourself should have a memorable night.

• Stuart Knill​ is general manager for Venners Health & Safety Division. Founded in 1896, Venners is the UK's largest and longest established stock audit company servicing the hospitality and leisure sector. Its services include liquor and food stocktaking; inventory listings and valuations; compliance audit; and a range of health and safety services including food safety and fire safety. It serves all the UK and key European cities using only its own employees.
• Call 01279 620 820, email enquiries@venners.co.uk​ or visit www.venners.com​