At least 32 people have died after a fire broke out at Rong Beer Na Ladprao pub in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday night (12 July), according to reports.
Renewed warnings
The tragedy has prompted renewed warnings around fire safety in crowded hospitality venues, including the importance of clear escape routes, emergency lighting, suitable materials and staff training.
The warning comes after a series of pub related fires in the UK this year, including a blaze at a top gastropub in South Wales in June, a fire at a derelict former pub in Essex in May and an arson investigation following a fire at a derelict pub in Northampton in April.
Five pubs in Glasgow were also temporarily closed in March after a major fire partially destroyed the city’s Central train station.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) has warned crowded dark spaces, loud music, alcohol and pyrotechnics can all increase fire risk in pubs, bars and nightclubs if not properly controlled.
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The brigade said duty holders for licensed premises must take reasonable steps to protect staff and customers from fire, including keeping a fire risk assessment up to date and ensuring it reflects how the venue actually operates.
This includes reviewing ignition sources such as flames and pyrotechnics, combustible materials and decorations, maximum occupancy, escape routes, alarms, staff response and emergency procedures.
LFB said fire risk assessments should be reviewed if anything changes, including layouts, capacity, entertainment or special effects.
Its guidance also warns pyrotechnics, including sparklers, ice fountains, indoor fireworks and flame effects used on drinks, can easily ignite nearby materials.
It recommends venues suspend the use of pyrotechnics until risks have been reassessed, suitable controls are in place and staff training has been refreshed.
Decorations, wall linings, ceiling features and sound insulation can also allow fire to spread quickly if unsuitable materials are used.
Guidance
LFB said operators should only use fire resistant or flame retardant materials, keep decorations away from heat sources and remove damaged or non compliant items immediately.
It added fire exits and escape routes must never be locked while a venue is in use, must remain clear at all times and should be clearly visible, especially in low light conditions.
Operators have also been reminded not to exceed the maximum capacity set out in their premises licence or fire risk assessment.
For loud venues, LFB said sound systems should ideally shut down automatically when the fire alarm activates, or venues should have clear procedures to alert staff and customers.
The warning comes during a period of high summer trading and hot weather across parts of the UK, with many venues adapting operations to manage demand, outdoor areas and staff safety.
Common causes of fire in pubs, clubs and bars include electrical faults, lighting placed too close to flammable materials, smoking materials, arson risks from stock or rubbish, candles, open fires and other naked flames.
LFB has urged operators to carry out an immediate review of their fire risk assessment, reassess or suspend pyrotechnics until risks are controlled and refresh staff fire safety training.
