Electrical safety in hospitality, catering & entertainment

Electricity is essential in every hospitality, catering and entertainment venue — but if it’s not properly maintained, it can kill.

Tragically, in 2023, a ten year old child died after being electrocuted in a hotel. In another case, a professional musician Electrical insepction 2 was killed on stage when faulty equipment caused a lethal voltage to pass through his guitar — something that could have been prevented by low-cost Residual Current Device (RCD) protection.

These are not isolated incidents. Local inspections by Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) continue to find unsafe electrical installations and equipment in hospitality venues — all of which could lead to injury, fire, prosecution, loss of licence, and closure.

Why this matters for your business

Good electrical safety isn’t just about compliance — it protects your staff, customers, and your business. By acting now, you can

Prevent injuries and save lives
Avoid fines and prosecutions under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Meet licensing and insurance requirements — avoiding claims being rejected
Reduce downtime from faults, fires, or equipment failures
Protect your reputation — safer venues attract more customers and event organisers
Save money through fewer repairs, less wasted stock, and extended equipment lifespan

What our inspections found

In our most recent project inspecting 30 hospitality venues across Bridgend, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan: Electrical insepction

50% did not have a current, satisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
43% had defects in their electrical installation — most commonly damaged sockets, lighting, and distribution boards
24% of venues with outdoor areas were using equipment not designed for outdoor use, such as indoor fridges, TVs and extension leads
Only 23% regularly tested their RCDs to ensure they would work in an emergency

Quick wins for safer electrics

You don’t have to spend a fortune to make a big difference. Here are practical steps you can take right now:

Arrange a 5-yearly EICR with a competent, registered electrician (ECA, NAPIT, NICEIC)
Fit 30mA RCD protection to sockets used for catering or entertainment equipment
Carry out regular user checks on all electrical equipment — look for frayed cables, damaged plugs, or burn marks
Stop using damaged or unsuitable equipment immediately — repair or replace before use
Ensure all outdoor equipment has the correct weather-resistant IP rating
Train staff on how to switch off the electricity supply in an emergency

Proof that it works

Following SRS visits, 43% of businesses without a satisfactory EICR took action to have their electrical installation inspected, tested and brought up to standard — making their venue safer for everyone.

Further guidance