Restaurants, Bars & Nightclubs

London's fire prevention inspectors have the safety of the entire community in mind.  They focus their efforts on visiting properties that are traditionally considered to be the highest risk.  These properties include those that have restaurants, bars or nightclubs combined with residential areas in the same building or multi-unit residential apartment buildings.  To increase efficiency, the inspections are usually completed in geographic blocks, which have been prioritized based upon the assessed level of risk.

You can conduct a self-assessment of your building by using the provided checklist.  It is your responsibility to make repairs or to replace items before an inspector arrives, and to keep a log of all repair and maintenance work completed.  A proactive approach may eliminate orders, charges and fees associated with any existing violations.  Your first check should include all of the items listed, regardless of the time frame in which they are shown.  Please continue to used this checklist when performing your regular maintenance tasks throughout the year.

Article 1.1.1.1. of the Ontario Fire Code states "Unless otherwise specified, the owner shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of this Code."  The Fire Code defines an owner as "any person, firm or corporation having control over any portion of the building or property under consideration and includes the person in the building or property." 

If you are the "owner" as defined above, you are responsible for compliance to all pertinent sections of the code.  Ignorance of the law is no defense, so it is in your best interest to familiarize yourself with your requirements under the Code.  Repair, replacement and maintenance of items that fall under applicable areas of the code should be part of your regular business in a fire-safe manner.  The checklist provided is arranged to assist you in making this part of your regular routine.

Bars and nightclubs information sheet  (pdf)

Bars and nightclubs checklist  (pdf)

If your bar has an occupant load of over 30 people, you will be required to submit a Fire Safety Plan.  Templates are available on our Fire Safety Plan page.  (Word doc)