Fire Risk Assessment Restaurant - Compare Qualified Assessors From £300
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Fire Risk Assessments for Restaurants, Cafes and Takeaways
Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) are a legal requirement for all restaurants, cafes and food service premises. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the "responsible person" — typically the restaurant owner, manager, or person who has control of the premises — must ensure a suitable and sufficient assessment is carried out. This applies regardless of the size of the venue or number of employees.
Restaurants and food service premises present a unique set of fire safety challenges. Commercial kitchens with deep fat fryers, grills, ovens and extraction systems, gas cylinders, high electrical demand, storage of flammable cooking oils and cleaning products, and high occupancy levels all contribute to fire risk. A properly conducted FRA identifies potential hazards, evaluates existing safety measures, and recommends improvements to protect staff, customers and the business.
Experienced assessors inspecting restaurants and commercial kitchens across the UK
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FireRiskQuote is a free comparison service that helps you find qualified fire risk assessors for your restaurant or cafe. Instead of searching for individual providers, you submit one request and we handle the rest — saving you time and money.
We cover all types of food service premises, including restaurants, cafes, takeaways, fast food outlets, gastropubs, hotel restaurants, and contract catering facilities. For specialist requirements, see our cost guides or location-specific pages.
Quick Facts - Fire Risk Assessment Restaurant
- Price: From £300 to £2,500+
- Legal requirement: Yes - RRFSO 2005
- Property types: Restaurants, cafes, takeaways, fast food, gastropubs, hotel restaurants
- Turnaround: Usually within 3-5 working days
- Assessor qualifications: NEBOSH, IFE, hospitality specialists
- Responsible person: Restaurant owner, manager, or person in control
- Key legislation: RRFSO 2005, Fire Safety Act 2021, Building Safety Act 2022
- Service: Free quote comparison, no obligation
Why Your Restaurant Needs a Fire Risk Assessment
Fire risk assessments are essential for protecting staff, customers, and the business from the risk of fire. They are not just a legal requirement — they are a fundamental part of responsible hospitality management. A properly conducted FRA identifies potential hazards, evaluates existing safety measures, and recommends improvements to keep everyone safe. For restaurants and food service premises, the consequences of a fire can be catastrophic, both in terms of human life and business continuity.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must:
- Carry out a suitable and sufficient FRA of the premises.
- Identify general fire precautions needed to ensure the safety of relevant persons.
- Record significant findings (this is mandatory for all businesses, regardless of the number of employees).
- Implement preventive and protective measures.
- Keep the assessment under review and update it regularly, especially when changes take place.
Restaurants should follow the relevant Home Office guidance. For food service premises, specific guidance on commercial kitchen fire safety applies. For restaurants with sleeping accommodation (e.g., a pub with rooms), the Fire safety risk assessment: sleeping accommodation guide also applies. Local fire authorities may have additional requirements for food service premises.
What a Restaurant Fire Risk Assessment Covers
- Fire doors: Condition, self-closing devices, and integrity
- Escape routes: Accessibility, lighting, signage, and clear paths
- Fire detection: Automatic fire detection and warning systems (BS 5839)
- Firefighting equipment: Extinguishers, fire blankets in kitchens
- Electrical systems: Fixed wiring inspection, PAT testing of appliances
- Heating systems: Inspection of all heating systems
- Commercial kitchen: Cookers, fryers, grills, extractor hoods, duct cleaning
- Gas systems: Gas pipework, cylinders, ventilation, emergency isolation
- Cooking oils & fats: Storage, handling, and fire suppression
- Documentation: Records, fire action notices, evacuation plans, staff training records, fire drill logs
Restaurant-Specific Fire Hazards
Commercial Kitchens
Restaurants have commercial kitchens with cooking equipment including deep fat fryers, grills, ovens, and extraction systems. Grease build-up in ductwork is a significant fire risk. Regular cleaning of extractor hoods and ducting is essential, and fire suppression systems may be required.
Gas Systems and Cylinders
Many restaurants use gas for cooking. Gas cylinders, pipework, and appliances must be properly installed, maintained, and inspected. Emergency isolation valves should be clearly identified and accessible.
Cooking Oils and Fats
Restaurants store large quantities of cooking oils and fats, which are flammable. Proper storage away from sources of ignition is essential. Deep fat fryers should never be left unattended.
Electrical Distribution
Restaurants have high electrical demand from lighting, refrigeration, sound systems, and catering equipment. Overloaded sockets, damaged cables, and faulty equipment are common fire risks. Regular electrical inspections and PAT testing are essential.
High Occupancy and Crowd Management
Restaurants can become very crowded, especially at peak times. This affects evacuation routes and the time needed to evacuate. Fire safety management must account for occupancy levels, and staff should be trained in emergency procedures.
Flammable Liquids and Cleaning Products
Restaurants store cleaning products and other flammable liquids. Proper storage away from sources of ignition is essential.
Who is the "Responsible Person"?
In a restaurant, the responsible person could be:
- The restaurant owner or freeholder.
- The manager or duty manager.
- A person who has control of the premises (e.g., a restaurant group).
The responsible person can appoint a competent fire risk assessor to carry out the FRA, but they remain legally accountable for ensuring it is done and acted upon.
How Much Does a Fire Risk Assessment for a Restaurant Cost?
For a restaurant or food service premises, you can expect costs to range from £350 to £600 for a small cafe or takeaway, £600 to £1,000 for a medium-sized restaurant with a commercial kitchen, and up to £1,200 to £2,500+ for larger premises with multiple kitchens, function rooms or accommodation. The price varies depending on:
- The size of the premises (square footage and number of floors).
- The complexity of the building layout and any accommodation.
- Occupancy levels and whether the venue is open to the public.
- Specific hazards like commercial kitchens, gas systems, or function rooms.
- Whether the building is listed or in a conservation area.
We provide free, no-obligation quotes so you can compare prices and choose the best option for your restaurant.
Why Choose FireRiskQuote for Your Restaurant?
- Free service: No hidden fees, no obligation.
- Hospitality specialists: Assessors who understand the unique requirements of restaurants, cafes and commercial kitchens.
- Quick turnaround: Receive quotes within days, not weeks.
- Compare options: Choose from multiple quotes to get the best value.
- Peace of mind: All assessors are vetted and qualified, with up-to-date knowledge of the latest guidance and regulations.
Get Your Free Fire Risk Assessment Quote for Your Restaurant Today
Don't leave fire safety to chance. Whether you run a small cafe or a large restaurant with multiple kitchens and function rooms, we can help. Click below to request your free, no-obligation quotes.
Request Free Fire Risk Assessment QuotesFire safety is a legal and moral responsibility — protect your staff, customers and business with a professional fire risk assessment.
This page was last reviewed to reflect current UK fire safety legislation, including the RRFSO 2005, Fire Safety Act 2021, Building Safety Act 2022, and Home Office guidance for food service premises and commercial kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions - Fire Risk Assessments for Restaurants
Is a fire risk assessment legally required for a restaurant?
Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every restaurant, cafe and food service premises must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. This is a legal requirement that applies regardless of the number of employees or the size of the venue.
Who is the "responsible person" for a restaurant?
The responsible person is typically the restaurant owner, manager, or the person who has control of the premises. They are legally accountable for ensuring the FRA is carried out and acted upon, and for maintaining fire safety measures.
What are the specific fire risks in a restaurant?
Restaurants face risks including commercial kitchen equipment (cookers, fryers, grills, extractor hoods), gas systems and cylinders, electrical distribution, storage of flammable liquids (cooking oils, cleaning products), paper and cardboard storage, and high occupancy levels that can affect evacuation.
What guidance applies to fire safety in restaurants?
The Home Office has published guidance for commercial kitchens and food service premises. For restaurants with sleeping accommodation, the Fire safety risk assessment: sleeping accommodation guide also applies. Local fire authorities may have additional requirements.
Do I need to record my fire risk assessment?
Yes. Recording your fire risk assessment is mandatory for all businesses, regardless of the number of employees. The significant findings must be documented and kept on file.
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
There is no set frequency, but you must keep the assessment under review regularly and update it when changes take place. Many hospitality venues review their FRA annually or every three years, and always after a significant change to the premises or operation.
How much does a fire risk assessment for a restaurant cost?
Costs typically range from £350 to £600 for a small cafe or takeaway, £600 to £1,000 for a medium-sized restaurant with a commercial kitchen, and £1,200 to £2,500+ for larger premises with multiple kitchens, function rooms or accommodation. We provide free quotes so you can compare.
What happens if a restaurant doesn't have a fire risk assessment?
Failure to carry out a suitable and sufficient FRA is a breach of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This can result in enforcement action, significant fines, legal action, and in serious cases, prosecution. It also poses a serious risk to staff and customers, and may affect insurance, business reputation and your licence.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and should not be relied upon as fire safety, legal, or professional advice. Every property presents unique fire safety risks and legal requirements. Always consult a competent fire risk assessor or fire safety specialist before taking action. We accept no liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on the information provided.