Bonfire Night and Fireworks: keep your business, staff and customers safe

For many small businesses, Bonfire Night brings a welcome buzz: busier pubs, longer opening hours and community events that draw in the crowds. But it’s also one of the higher-risk weekends of the year for property damage, injury claims and liability exposures.

Data from insurers, and from public health services, show clear spikes in fire damage, theft, malicious damage and injuries around early November. And while most statistics focus on homes, the same dangers apply to commercial premises, public events and liability risks.

In Greater Manchester, police reported:

“Officers responded to 507 calls for service around ASB, of which 203 were firework related … 11 arrests were made on the night.”

These patterns of anti-social behaviour and firework misuse heighten the risk for nearby businesses, especially those open late or hosting events.

Fires, crowd injuries, thefts and weather-related accidents can all trigger insurance claims. Some may not be covered if you haven’t checked your policy first.

Here’s how to stay safe and compliant this November.

Public Liability: Your First Line Of Defence.

If you’re hosting an event or allowing fireworks on your premises, public liability insurance protects you if someone is injured or property is damaged.

But here’s the catch:

• Many standard policies exclude fireworks displays unless you notify the insurer first.
• Some policies won’t cover bonfires or pyrotechnics at all without written approval.
• If you bring in contractors, check they hold public liability cover, £5 million is a good benchmark.

💡 Tip: Before you host, sponsor or allow any display, get confirmation in writing from your broker. It’s far easier than facing a declined claim later.

Employers’ Liability: Staff And Volunteers Count Too.

Busy nights often mean extra hands, staff, volunteers or helpers. If they work under your direction, you could be legally liable for their safety.

Employers’ liability (EL) insurance covers claims if a worker or volunteer is injured, but only if their role, training and supervision are properly recorded.

✅ Do this now:

• Keep a full list of helpers (paid or unpaid).
• Brief them on fire, crowd and evacuation procedures.
• Confirm your EL policy includes volunteers or contractors.

According to the ABI:

“You can be fined up to £2,500 for every day you do not have appropriate insurance.”

Failure to hold valid EL cover can lead to heavy fines and serious exposure if someone is hurt.

Property Damage: Fireworks And Flammable Stock Don’t Mix.

Retailers, hospitality venues and warehouses often store extra stock ahead of Bonfire Night. Add fireworks, heaters or bonfires into the mix and you have a significant fire risk.

Most property policies include a “reasonable precautions” clause. That means you must:

• Update fire-risk assessments for temporary events.
• Test extinguishers and check escape routes.
• Store fireworks / flammables correctly.
• Check lighting and electricals before outdoor use.

If a fire occurs and you’ve neglected these basics, an insurer might reduce or reject your claim.

Business interruption: how long could you stay closed?

A fire or serious incident doesn’t just damage property, it halves or stops trade. Business interruption (BI) insurance can replace lost income while you recover.

But it only works if your cover is accurate. Many small firms underestimate how long repair and recovery take, especially when delays are caused by weather, supply chain or investigations.

💡 Check now:

• Does your BI cover still match your turnover?
• Will it cover closure due to fire, arson or vandalism?
• Is your indemnity period (12–24 months typical) realistic?

A quick review now can make the difference between bouncing back or burning out.

Crime And Vandalism: The Forgotten Bonfire Night Risk.

Police data consistently shows rises in theft, vandalism and arson around Halloween and Bonfire Night. Dark nights and loud fireworks give criminals cover.

Insurers recommend you:

• Check all locks, alarms and lighting.
• Move valuable stock away from display windows.
• Test CCTV and recording systems.
• Keep cash off premises or in a time-locked safe.

💡 If you’re shutting early, tell your alarm-monitoring provider. Unreported closures have voided theft claims before.

Worried about repercussions if you report a crime? Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 it’s free and 100% anonymous.

Event Liability: Exposure If You Sponsor Or Support.

You might face risks even if you’re not organising events yourself, through sponsorship, stall hire or catering roles.

Ask:

• Are you named as an organiser or sponsor?
• Is there a formal agreement on safety responsibilities?
• Has the event lead shown proof of insurance and risk assessments?

If you’re jointly responsible, you could be sued too. Many firms use contingent liability extensions or opt to be listed as an additional insured on the event organiser’s policy.

Your FSB Insurance Service broker can check this in minutes.

Keeping Insurers On Side: Documentation Is Everything.

In any claim, evidence wins. Insurers will want to see how you managed risk.

Keep:

• Signed and dated risk assessments.
• Staff and volunteer briefings.
• Incident logs, photos and statements.
• Contractor insurance certificates.
• Written confirmation from your broker or insurer.

Good documentation not only helps claims, it shows underwriters you’re serious about risk, which supports renewals.

Bonfire Night should brighten your community, not burn your bottom line. A few minutes of planning now can save months of headaches later.

📞 Call our team on 020 3883 7976.

We’ll help you understand what’s covered, what’s not, and how to close any gaps.

This content is for general information only and is not intended to provide advice or a personal recommendation. Insurance cover is subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the policy. Always consider your individual circumstances and seek professional advice before arranging insurance. External websites are not under our control and we are not responsible for their content.