Information for providers of small-scale accommodation

The Government has published Do you Have Paying Guests? which gives additional information to support small accommodation providers comply with fire safety legislation.

Do you have Paying Guests?

On 18 November 2008 the Government published additional information to support small accommodation providers in England and Wales to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The Fire Safety Order, introduced in 2006, required those responsible for small hospitality businesses to carry out a fire risk assessment for the first time.

Do You Have Paying Guests? seeks to address specific difficulties that the hospitality industry, specifically B&Bs, guest houses and self catering properties, have faced in understanding the new rules. It is designed to encourage compliance, by giving the owners of these businesses practical advice on reducing fire risks in their establishments. It explains the risk assessment process, sets out sources of further advice and guidance and offer some practical information for owners on what may represent appropriate and proportionate fire safety measures in these types of premises.

Fire and rescue services may also benefit from the information, allowing them to provide fire safety advice whilst taking an appropriate and proportionate approach to enforcement.