Fire Risk Assessment for Restaurant in Manchester: Cost Guide
Fire Risk Assessment For Restaurant In Manchester
If you run a café, takeaway, or full service restaurant in Manchester, you have probably asked yourself at some point, how much will this cost and what exactly does the law expect? These questions usually come up around licence renewal time, when you are already managing staff, suppliers, and a busy service.
Under the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005, every restaurant in England and Wales must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment in place. The official government guidance on fire safety legislation for those with legal duties explains what is required for non domestic premises, which includes any business property.
Fire Risk Assessment For Restaurant In Manchester Cost Guide
Understanding the likely cost of a fire risk assessment helps you plan ahead and avoid last minute stress. In Manchester, prices vary depending on the size of your venue, the layout, and the level of risk involved. A small single floor restaurant will naturally cost less to assess than a large multi storey venue with a busy commercial kitchen and high occupancy.
At iSecurity Solutions, we support hospitality businesses across Manchester with practical, PAS 79 aligned assessments and complete fire safety services designed to make compliance clear and manageable. We understand that inspections can feel daunting, especially before a busy weekend. Clear advice and structured reports make the process far less overwhelming.
Restaurant Fire Risk Assessment Manchester Licensing PAS 79
A restaurant fire risk assessment is a structured review of your premises to identify fire hazards, people at risk, and the control measures needed to reduce danger. For both city centre venues and neighbourhood eateries, it is not simply best practice. It is a legal requirement and is often reviewed as part of licensing conditions.
PAS 79 is a recognised method for recording fire risk assessments in a clear and logical format. A PAS 79 aligned written report shows enforcing authorities and insurers that your assessment has been carried out in a systematic and professional way. This can make a real difference if your premises are ever inspected.
Why It Is A Legal Requirement Under The Fire Safety Order
The Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 applies to almost all non domestic premises, including restaurants, pubs, and cafés. It places a duty on the responsible person to carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and to keep it up to date.
In simple terms, you must identify fire hazards, reduce risks as far as reasonably practicable, and make sure people can escape safely if a fire breaks out. On a busy Saturday night, could your team guide everyone out quickly and calmly? That is the level of preparation the law expects.
If you would like to see how this applies more broadly, you can read about fire risk assessment for businesses in Manchester, which explains the same legal framework for different types of premises.
Licensing authorities may also check that your assessment is current and that recommended actions have been completed, particularly if you serve alcohol or operate late into the evening.
Who Is The Responsible Person In A Restaurant?
The responsible person is usually the employer, owner, or anyone who has control of the premises. In a small independent restaurant, this is often the owner operator. In a leased property, the tenant is normally responsible for internal areas, while the landlord may take responsibility for shared spaces.
In franchise operations, duties can be shared. However, the person who has day to day control of the premises still carries clear legal responsibility. It is wise to confirm responsibilities in writing so there is no confusion if the fire service visits.
Average Cost Of A Professional Fire Risk Assessment In Manchester 2026
Costs vary depending on size and complexity, but as a general guide for 2026, most restaurants fall within the following ranges.
- Small restaurant or café, single floor, up to 50 covers: £300 to £500.
- Medium restaurant, larger kitchen, up to 100 covers: £500 to £900.
- Large or multi storey venue, high occupancy or complex layout: £900 to £2,000 plus.
City centre locations may sit slightly above national averages due to higher demand and operational complexity. Choosing the lowest quote is not always the best decision. Competence and experience are far more important than saving a small amount on the initial fee.
What Affects The Price?
Several practical factors influence the final cost of your restaurant fire risk assessment.
Kitchen size and layout. A large commercial kitchen with multiple fryers, grills, and extraction systems requires more detailed review than a small prep kitchen.
Seating capacity. The more people you can seat, the more detailed your evacuation planning and occupancy assessment must be.
Number of floors. Basements, mezzanines, and upper dining areas increase the complexity of escape routes and emergency lighting requirements.
Listed building status. Heritage properties may restrict structural changes, meaning fire precautions must be carefully balanced with conservation rules.
Age and condition of the property. Older wiring, outdated fire alarm systems, and historic alterations can increase risk and the time needed for a thorough assessment.
DIY Fire Risk Assessment Vs Hiring A Qualified Assessor
The law allows you to complete your own assessment if you are competent. This means you must have enough knowledge of fire safety principles and understand the specific risks linked to commercial kitchens.
For very small and low risk premises, a well informed owner may use government guidance to complete a basic assessment. However, restaurants are rarely low risk environments. Open flames, hot oils, gas appliances, and busy peak times create a higher level of hazard.
A professional assessment often provides reassurance and a clearer action plan. Many operators believe everything is covered until a review highlights a blocked escape route or missing documentation. It is far better to identify these issues during a planned visit than during an unexpected inspection.
What Is Included In A Typical Restaurant Fire Risk Assessment Report?
A professional report normally includes a detailed description of the premises, including layout, occupancy levels, and operating hours. It identifies fire hazards such as cooking equipment, electrical installations, and storage of combustible materials.
The report assesses who may be at risk, including staff, customers, contractors, and vulnerable persons. It reviews existing safety measures such as fire alarm systems designed to BS 5839, often Category L1 or L2 in restaurants. Emergency lighting should comply with BS 5266, with monthly function tests and annual full duration tests recorded. Fire extinguishers must be maintained in line with BS 5306 and BAFE SP101, with an annual service certificate that is often required by insurers.
You can read more about suitable equipment in fire extinguishers for restaurants in Manchester, which explains the correct types for commercial kitchens.
The final section of the report provides a prioritised action plan and a recommended review date. This helps you plan improvements in a realistic and structured way.
Specific Fire Hazards In Restaurants
The kitchen is the heart of the business, but it is also the highest risk area. Deep fat fryers, cooking oils, naked flames, and high temperature surfaces can ignite quickly if controls fail.
Extraction systems must be cleaned regularly to prevent grease build up, which is a common cause of rapid fire spread through ductwork. Gas appliances should be correctly installed and maintained, and electrical systems should be inspected at suitable intervals.
Front of house areas also present risks, including decorative materials, candles, and high occupancy during peak periods. A thorough assessment considers the entire premises, not just the kitchen.
How Often Should A Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?
There is no fixed expiry date set out in the legislation, but your assessment must be kept up to date. In practice, most restaurants review it at least once a year.
You should also review it after significant changes, such as refurbishments, new kitchen equipment, layout changes, or an increase in seating capacity. Installing or upgrading systems like fire alarms for restaurants in Manchester is another sensible time to review your assessment.
Penalties For Non Compliance
Fire and rescue authorities can inspect your premises and request your fire risk assessment at any time. Being prepared reduces stress and demonstrates that you take your responsibilities seriously.
If serious issues are identified, enforcement notices can require improvements within a set timeframe. In more serious cases, prohibition notices may restrict or stop the use of part or all of your restaurant until risks are addressed.
Courts can impose unlimited fines and, in extreme situations, custodial sentences for responsible persons who fail to comply. Beyond legal penalties, closure by the fire service can cause lasting reputational damage that is difficult to recover from.
How To Choose An Accredited Fire Risk Assessor In Manchester
Check qualifications and professional memberships first. Look for assessors linked to recognised bodies such as the Institution of Fire Engineers or the Institute of Fire Safety Managers. Third party certification, such as BAFE SP205 for fire risk assessment organisations, provides additional reassurance.
Ask to see sample reports, confirm that professional indemnity insurance is in place, and check experience within the hospitality sector. A restaurant environment is very different from an office or warehouse, so relevant experience matters.
If you are reviewing wider protection measures, such as integrated business security systems or ongoing security maintenance contracts in Manchester, it can be helpful to work with a provider who understands both fire and security compliance.
Final Thoughts
A fire risk assessment for a restaurant in Manchester is not simply paperwork for licensing. It is a practical tool that protects your staff, your customers, and your livelihood.
Unexpected inspections are never convenient, especially during a busy service. When your assessment is current and your actions are clearly documented, you can focus on running your restaurant with confidence rather than worrying about compliance.
