West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is encouraging licensed premises planning to show FIFA World Cup 2026 matches to review their fire safety arrangements ahead of the tournament.

With venues expected to welcome increased numbers of customers throughout the competition, businesses are reminded that fire safety must remain a key consideration when making any temporary changes to their premises.

Under fire safety legislation, responsibility for fire safety rests with the ‘responsible person’ – typically the employer, business owner or licence holder. Any modifications made to accommodate World Cup screenings should be reflected in the premises’ fire risk assessment to ensure the safety of customers, staff and visitors is maintained.

“Any temporary changes made to a venue must be carefully considered from a fire safety perspective.” said West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Head of Protection Dave Bray: “Whether it is installing large screens, putting up decorations and flags, creating additional viewing areas or increasing customer capacity, businesses have a legal duty to ensure these changes do not compromise the safety of their customers or staff.”

Temporary alterations can affect occupancy levels, escape routes, evacuation procedures and access to firefighting equipment. The responsible person must ensure that fire safety remains a key consideration throughout the planning and delivery of tournament-related events.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service recommends that businesses:

• Review and update fire risk assessments to reflect any temporary changes to the premises.
• Ensure all emergency exits, escape routes and fire doors remain unobstructed, serviceable and immediately available for use.
• Avoid positioning screens, furniture, staging or temporary structures where they could impede evacuation.
• Check that any temporary electrical installations are safe, suitable and do not overload existing electrical systems.
• Use fire-retardant materials for decorations, displays and temporary installations where appropriate.
• Review occupancy levels and implement suitable crowd management measures.
• Ensure staff are trained and familiar with emergency procedures, including their roles and responsibilities during an evacuation.
• Maintain clear access to firefighting equipment and fire alarm call points at all times.

The Service has also advised that fire safety officers and operational crews may carry out inspections before and during the tournament period to support compliance with fire safety legislation and provide advice where required.

By reviewing fire safety arrangements in advance, businesses can help ensure supporters enjoy the tournament safely while maintaining compliance with their legal responsibilities.

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