Fire Risk Assessment for Cafes & Coffee Shops
Specialist fire safety reviews for cafes, coffee shops, tearooms and delis. Get matched with accredited assessors who understand catering equipment, extraction systems and customer safety.
Get my cafe quote →Why cafes need a tailored fire risk assessment
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every cafe and coffee shop must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. Unlike standard retail, cafes have commercial cooking equipment, high electrical loads (coffee machines, toasters, panini presses), and customers who may be distracted or have pushchairs – all creating unique fire risks.
FireRiskQuote connects cafe owners, managers and franchisees with fire risk assessors who specialise in catering and hospitality. They know how to inspect extraction canopies, assess grease buildup, check gas safety, and plan for safe evacuation of customers.
5 critical fire risks in cafes (and how assessors address them)
| Risk area | Why it's critical in a cafe | What a specialist assessor checks |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee machine & electrical equipment | High-wattage appliances running continuously; faulty wiring or overheating can ignite. | PAT testing records, fixed wiring inspection, RCD protection, and safe positioning away from combustibles. |
| Kitchen extraction & grease filters | Grease and fat buildup in canopies and ductwork is a major fire risk. | Cleanliness of filters, ductwork condition, fire-rated construction, and professional cleaning schedule. |
| Gas appliances & pipework | Gas leaks or faulty burners can cause explosions or fires. | Gas safety certificate, ventilation, flexible hose condition, and emergency shut-off valves. |
| Customer seating & escape routes | Tables, chairs, pushchairs can block exits; customers unfamiliar with layout. | Clear escape width, obstruction-free routes, fire exit signage, and fire action notices visible. |
| Fire blankets & extinguishers | Kitchen fires (e.g., toaster, panini press) need immediate response; wrong extinguisher can make things worse. | Fire blanket within 5 metres of cooking area, wet chemical extinguisher if frying, CO2 for electrical. |
Specific risks from cafe equipment
Modern cafes use a wide range of equipment that can be ignition sources. A specialist assessment will look at:
- Bean-to-cup coffee machines – internal heating elements, water leaks near electrics.
- Toasters and bagel toasters – crumb buildup, proximity to combustibles.
- Panini presses and contact grills – grease dripping, high surface temperatures.
- Microwaves and ovens – ventilation, overloaded circuits.
- Blenders and milk frothers – electrical faults, trailing leads.
- Display fridges and cake cabinets – compressors, dust buildup.
What the law requires for cafes (Fire Safety Order)
As the responsible person (owner or manager), you must:
- Carry out a fire risk assessment for the whole premises (including kitchen, seating, storage).
- Ensure extraction systems are professionally cleaned at appropriate intervals (typically every 3-6 months).
- Provide fire blankets and appropriate extinguishers (wet chemical if frying, CO2 for electrical).
- Maintain clear escape routes – no storage in corridors, no obstructions from seating.
- Display fire action notices (what staff and customers should do).
- Train all staff in fire procedures and how to use extinguishers/fire blankets.
- Keep records of fire alarm tests, extinguisher checks, and training.
Types of cafe premises we cover
Our assessors have experience with all kinds of coffee and food service businesses, including:
- Independent coffee shops – compact layouts, high electrical density.
- High street chain cafes – multiple locations, standardised risk profiles.
- Tearooms and afternoon tea venues – often with vintage decor, which can be flammable.
- Bakery cafes – flour dust risks, ovens, provers.
- Garden centre cafes – seasonal occupancy, outdoor seating, temporary heaters.
- Museum and gallery cafes – high footfall, vulnerable visitors.
- Drive-thru coffee outlets – separate risks from vehicle access and queue management.
How our quote process works (for cafes)
- Tell us about your cafe – size, seating capacity, cooking equipment (e.g., fryer, grill, toaster).
- We match you with 1-3 specialist assessors who have experience with catering premises.
- Receive fixed, no-obligation quotes – each assessor provides a price and a clear scope of inspection.
- Choose and book directly – you pay the assessor only when you're satisfied.
Costs & frequency – what cafe owners ask most
Typical price range: Small coffee shop (no fryer, limited cooking) £175–£250. Medium cafe (toaster, panini press, extraction) £250–£400. Large cafe with full kitchen (grill, fryer, gas) £400–£650. Quotes are free and fixed – no hidden hourly fees.
Review frequency: A full fire risk assessment should be reviewed every 12 months, and a new assessment is required every 3-5 years – or sooner if you change equipment, refit the kitchen, or after a fire incident.
Ready to protect your cafe, staff and customers?
Get free, no-obligation quotes from UK fire risk assessors who specialise in cafes and coffee shops. Most cafe owners receive their first quote within 24 hours.
Request cafe quotes now →Frequently asked questions – cafe edition
Is a fire risk assessment required for a coffee shop that doesn't cook hot food?
Yes. Even if you only serve coffee and pre-packaged cakes, you still have electrical equipment (coffee machine, fridge, toaster) and customers. A fire risk assessment is required for all non-domestic premises.
Do I need a wet chemical extinguisher if I don't have a fryer?
If you have a grill, panini press or toaster that could involve fats/oils, a wet chemical extinguisher or fire blanket may still be recommended. Your assessor will advise based on your specific equipment.
How often should my extraction canopy be cleaned?
For cafes with regular cooking (toasters, grills), filters should be cleaned weekly, and a professional duct clean every 3-6 months. Coffee-only cafes with no grease may have lower frequency – your fire risk assessment will specify.
What fire safety information do I need to display?
You need a fire action notice (what to do on discovering a fire or hearing the alarm) clearly visible to staff and customers – usually near the exit or till area.
Can I use a water extinguisher on an electrical fire (coffee machine)?
No – water conducts electricity and can cause electrocution. You need CO2 extinguishers near electrical equipment. Your fire risk assessment will confirm the correct types.
Do I need emergency lighting in my cafe?
Yes, if your cafe has no natural light in escape routes (e.g., internal corridors, basement kitchens) or if you trade after dark. Most cafes need emergency lighting for customer safety.
What about outdoor seating – does that affect my fire risk assessment?
Yes. Outdoor furniture, heaters or parasols must not obstruct fire exits from the building. Portable gas or electric heaters outdoors must be safe and stable. Your assessor will include external areas in the scope.