Theatres and Cinemas

Premises such as theatres, cinemas, and similar venues host large groups of people in enclosed spaces, often with low lighting, complex layouts, and high occupancy.

Good fire safety management is essential to ensure a rapid and safe evacuation.

To DO’s

• Theatres, cinemas, and similar venues must assess fire risks and prepare for safe evacuation
  
• Emergency plans should reflect venue layout, audience mobility, and staff responsibilities
  
• Legal compliance requires written Fire Risk Assessments and up-to-date safety procedures

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Fire Risk Assessment

You must complete and keep a written fire risk assessment, which should be:

• Reviewed regularly
• Updated after layout or changes of use

It should include:

• Escape routes and signage
• Emergency lighting
• Fire detection systems
• Staff roles during emergencies
• Identification of hazards and sources of fire ignition

Fire Risk Assessment Guide for Theatres and Cinemas(gov.uk)

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Emergency Planning & Drills

Your emergency plan must:

• Account for audience movement and crowd control
• Be known by staff and regularly rehearsed
• Include back-up procedures if lighting or power fails

Evacuation Strategies
PEEPs: Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans

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Occupancy Calculations

Correct occupancy figures are essential for assessing escape capacity.

• Overcrowding poses a serious fire risk
• Occupancy must reflect number, layout, and size of exits

Calculating Occupancy Figures for Licensed Premises (TBC)

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Key Fire Safety Measures

• Clearly marked and unobstructed escape routes
• Maintained fire extinguishers
• Accessible fire exits with emergency lighting
• Staff trained in crowd control and evacuation procedures

Fire Safety Signage

Wayfinding

Further Guidance

• Workplace Fire Safety – Your Responsibilities
• Fire Risk Assessment Templates