Applying for a Places of Assembly Licence

Dublin Fire Brigade is a notified party in relation to certain types of certificate and licensing applications to the courts by public premises. Notification allows Dublin Fire Brigade to inspect the building involved and be represented at the licence hearing to state if it has any objection to the licence being granted.

When is Dublin Fire Brigade a Notified Party?

Dublin Fire Brigade is a notified party for certain Circuit Court licensing applications, as well as the following District Court licensing applications:

• Confirmation of Transfer of On-Licence.
• Music and Singing Licence.
• Annual Dance Licence.
• Club Renewal.
• Temporary Dance Licence.
• Lottery Licences.
• Gaming Licences.

Dublin Fire Brigade is the relevant Fire Service for businesses based with the administrative areas of the four Dublin local authorities.

Dublin Fire Brigade's Role in Licence Applications

On receipt of a notification of a certificate or licence application, Dublin Fire Brigade may inspect the building prior to the licence hearing. The applicant’s solicitor will be notified in writing that a building inspection will be carried out.

Inspecting Business Premises

Where relevant, the applicant will be requested to have the following test certificates ready for inspection.

• Emergency lighting.
• Fire detection and alarm system.
• Fire extinguishers.

On the day of inspection, where relevant, the following items will be checked by the inspecting officer:

• Emergency lighting.
• Fire detection and alarm system.
• Fire extinguishers.
• Internal escape routes.
• Fire doors.
• Final exit/escape doors, locking devices and push-bar devices.
• Fire Safety Register and staff training.
• Furnishing and fittings.
• High risk area and storage areas.

Prior to the building inspection, licencees should ensure that all of the above have been checked and that any annual test certificates are available for inspection. This will minimise delays in obtaining a licence.

If the inspecting officer finds deficiencies, a schedule of works will be issued to the applicant. The applicant will be required to have these works completed prior to the court hearing.

Associated Fees

Each notification forwarded to Dublin Fire Brigade related to a court date must enclose a €275 fee. However, multiple notifications for the same premises relating to the same court sitting will only incur one €275 fee.

Further Guidance

The Government published a Code of Practice for the Management of Fire Safety in Places of Assembly. This is a useful guide for the owners and occupiers of business premises who have a duty of care to in respect of fire safety. It also features a sample Fire Safety Register in its appendices.

You can also check out Dublin Fire Brigade's Fire Safety Advice for Businesses for additional guidance. If you plan to host an event, you can also check out our Fire Safety at Events information page.

Contact Dublin Fire Brigade

If you have any questions about Places of Assembly Licences or your responsibilities regarding fire safety, contact Dublin Fire Brigade.