Derry Council issues appeal to pub owners to be safety conscious

The Chairman of Derry City Council’s Environmental Services Committee has appealed to owners of entertainment premises in the City Council area to be vigilant and safety conscious to fire risks during the Christmas and New Year periods.

Speaking on Wednesday December 12, Councillor Shaun Gallagher urged owners of premises to ensure that their safety arrangements are in order well before the festive celebrations begin.

He said: “It is important holders of entertainment licences appreciate the overriding responsibility they have with regard to the health and safety of all who work in or use their premises.

“The Council when issuing an entertainment licence expects all entertainment licence holders to always comply with all current safety standards. To this end the Council has produced a safety advice leaflet, which will be delivered to each licensed premises during ongoing inspections.”

Mr Gallagher said that Derry City Council has stepped up its programme of inspections by carrying out unannounced spot checks of premises leading up to and during the festive season.

He also said failure to comply with health and safety regulations may result in prosecution and, if convicted, the Council may revoke the licence. Any licensee convicted of a breach of the terms and conditions of an entertainment licence may also face a fine of up to £5000, or if convicted for overcrowding, a fine of up to £20,000 or up to 6 months imprisonment or both. The higher penalties also apply to anyone convicted of providing entertainment without a licence.

Mr Gallagher concluded. “It is not the Council’s intention to spoil people’s enjoyment, but what we would expect, is that people can enjoy themselves in safety.” (AMcE)