Health & Safety
Brewing and pub companies are committed to the safety and wellbeing of team members and customers
The UK pub industry operates in a highly regulated environment and through the licensing objectives must ensure the responsible operation of its premises. There is also a duty of care to customers under health and safety law.
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Key Documents & Guidance
- Managing Safety in Pubs
- Electrical safety Code of Practice
- Fire Safety Guidance
- Security in Design
- CO2 in Cellars
- Asbestos Guidance
- Pressure system for the dispense of beer
Managing Safety in Pubs
The BBPA has developed guidance to support members by setting out the salient factors to be considered and to identify preventative measures that can be taken where appropriate to ensure the responsible operation of licensed premises at all times for customers, staff and the local community.
Electrical safety Code of Practice
The purpose of the Electrical Code is to give guidance to all stakeholders involved in the design, manufacture, purchase, import, supply, installation and the maintenance of electrical equipment used for the storage and dispensing of draught beer in licensed premises, with the objective of ensuring electrical safety.
The Code also provides a basic reference for brewers, retailers and licensees.
Fire Safety Guidance
Guidance on fire safety, including a link to the relevant government website with detailed information on fire safety guidance.
Security in Design
The hospitality industry is vibrant, dynamic and continually changing to meet the aspirations of contemporary consumers. Nowhere is this more true than in pubs where feeling relaxed and safe is vital to customers and staff.
Security, therefore, is a vital element in any professionally run outlet. It is achievable through a variety of methods including:
- Designing an environment that minimises opportunities for crime
- Providing hardware and electronic devices, which minimise access to intruders and maximise possibilities for detection of criminal activity
Increasing staff awareness and training so they can work towards reducing risks.
CO2 in Cellars
An accumulation of CO2 in a pub cellar could potentially present a risk to staff entering the cellar. Although serious incidents involving gas in pub cellars are extremely rare, the BBPA has prepared guidance for licensees in assessing the risk which also sets out good practice for the safe use of dispense gases.
Asbestos Guidance
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 (CAR) includes an explicit duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises. This was first introduced in 2002, coming into effect in 2004. While virtually all production activities involving potential exposure to asbestos have now ceased, research and evidence shows that there remains considerable risk from accidental exposure to asbestos.
Pressure system for the dispense of beer
Buy the Licensee Booklet with instructions for the safe operation of gas pressure systems used in dispensing beer and lager by contacting the BBPA
Buy the Code of Practice for the dispense of beers by pressure systems by contacting the BBPA
Resources & Action

Armed Forces Covenant
We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to support serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and military families across the industry.
By signing the Covenant we pledge to recognise the skills, experiences, and contributions of the Armed Forces community, and help the sector ensure the community faces no disadvantage in accessing employment, services, or opportunities.

The Open to All Charter
The Charter was developed with the BBPA’s members to promote workplaces that attract and retain a diverse workforce.
By committing to inclusive recruitment, fair treatment and strong support for employees, the Charter strengthens the sector’s ability to develop skilled teams and create sustainable employment opportunities.

Challenge 21 and Challenge 25
The BBPA’s Challenge 21 scheme has been raising awareness among publicans and their staff of the need to be vigilant in preventing underage sales for over 20 years. The scheme serves as a reminder to customers that it is against the law to purchase alcohol if you are under 18, or to purchase alcohol on behalf of someone who is under 18.

World Cup Guidance
Our World Cup guidance, produced in partnership with UKHospitality, the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), the Local Government Association and the National Police Chiefs’ Council aims to encourage police, licensing authorities and the licensed trade to work together to ensure the safe and successful showing of football tournaments in pubs.

Long Live the Local
Our Long Live The Local Campaign exists to save pubs in communities across the UK through reducing the unfair tax burden on our sector.
Add your support, it only takes two minutes but could help your beloved local stay open.

Joint Member Survey
Each quarter, the BBPA along with other hospitality trade bodies (the British Institute of Innkeeping, Hospitality Ulster and UKHospitality) survey our members across a range of topics to gauge sentiment and collect data on business operations.
The responses represent approximately a wide range of hospitality sites across the UK.

Latest Employment & Skills Consultations
The government is seeking views through open consultations related to employment and workforce policy as part of its Employment Rights Act.

England Pub Business Rates Calculator
We have developed a practical and easy to use calculator to help publicans estimate what their business rates are likely to be.


