Is an EICR a legal requirement for a pub?

An EICR is not directly mandated by the Licensing Act 2003, but local licensing authorities routinely attach electrical safety conditions to premises licences. These conditions commonly require an EICR at least every five years, carried out by a competent person, with a copy provided to the licensing authority on request. Separately, pubs are subject to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which requires the responsible person to implement adequate fire precautions — and the electrical installation is a key element of fire risk. Failure to maintain electrical safety can constitute a breach of the premises licence, risking review, suspension, or revocation.

How often does a pub need an EICR?

Local authority premises licence conditions typically specify an EICR every five years. However, the electrical installation in a pub is significantly more heavily used than in a residential property — high continuous loads from refrigeration, catering equipment, and entertainment systems accelerate wear. Industry best practice is a five-year cycle for the full EICR, with annual visual inspection and thermographic surveys of distribution boards every two to three years in high-use premises. The EICR must also be renewed after any significant rewire or major electrical works.

What does an EICR inspector check in a pub that is different from a house?

An EICR for a pub covers the full commercial electrical installation: main switchgear and distribution boards, cellar equipment circuits (glycol coolers, beer coolers, CO2 and mixed gas supplies), catering kitchen circuits (extraction systems, commercial ovens, fryers, dishwashers), gaming machine circuits, CCTV and security system supplies, entertainment system circuits (sound and lighting), emergency lighting, fire alarm system wiring, outdoor and beer garden circuits, and signage. The inspector will test insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance, RCD trip times, and prospective fault current for all circuits.

What type of fire alarm system does a pub need?

Pubs are non-domestic premises and require a commercial-grade fire alarm system to BS 5839-1:2017. The specific category (L or M system and sub-category) is determined by the fire risk assessment carried out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Most pubs require at minimum an M (Manual) system with break-glass call points, supplemented by automatic detection (L system) in the cellar, kitchen, and escape routes. Grade D domestic interlinked detectors are not appropriate for licensed premises of any size. The fire alarm system is inspected as part of the EICR.

Does a pub need emergency lighting?

Yes. Emergency lighting to BS 5266-1:2016 is required in all means of escape and in areas where guests may be present during an emergency. This includes all bar areas, function rooms, toilets (where they are internal and have no natural light), corridors, stairwells, and all exit routes. Emergency lighting must illuminate exit signs and provide sufficient illumination at floor level for safe evacuation. The emergency lighting system is tested monthly (30-second function test) and annually (full duration test), with records kept in a logbook.

Are cellar equipment circuits included in the EICR scope?

Yes. The cellar is part of the fixed electrical installation of the pub and is within the EICR scope. Cellar equipment — including glycol coolers, beer cooler and chiller units, CO2 and mixed gas extraction systems, and any electrical temperature monitoring equipment — draws significant continuous current. The inspector will test insulation resistance and earth continuity on cellar circuits, verify RCD protection, and check for signs of overloading, poor connections, or damp ingress. Damp conditions in cellars accelerate corrosion and insulation deterioration.

What are the consequences of a pub failing an EICR?

An unsatisfactory EICR — containing C1 or C2 observations — means the landlord or operator must carry out remedial works promptly. In a licensed premises, an unsatisfactory EICR that is not addressed can constitute a breach of the premises licence electrical safety condition. The licensing authority can attach additional conditions, review the licence, or in serious cases suspend or revoke the licence. A C1 observation (danger present) may require immediate disconnection of the affected circuit until remedial work is completed. The operator should notify their insurer of any significant electrical defect.

Who is responsible for electrical safety in a tenanted pub?

Responsibility depends on the lease terms. In most pubco and brewery tenancies, the pub company (landlord) is responsible for the fabric of the building and the fixed electrical installation, while the tenant is responsible for the electrical safety of equipment they own. The premises licence holder is the responsible person under both the Licensing Act 2003 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Tenants should clarify responsibility for the EICR in their lease and ensure they have a copy of the current EICR before taking on the premises.

LICENSED PREMISES GUIDE

EICR for Pubs & Licensed Premises UK: Licensing Requirements 2026

Pubs and licensed premises face electrical safety obligations under both the Licensing Act 2003 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This guide covers licence conditions, EICR frequency, what inspectors check in pub installations, cellar equipment and beer cooler circuits, gaming machine circuits, emergency lighting to BS 5266-1, and fire alarm systems to BS 5839-1.

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15 min readUpdated 2026-06-10Andrew Moore, Founder of Elec-Mate

Written and reviewed by Andrew Moore, founder of Elec-Mate, against BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, IET Guidance Note 3 and the IET On-Site Guide.

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Key Takeaways

1The Licensing Act 2003 grants local authorities the power to attach conditions to premises licences. Electrical safety is commonly specified as a licence condition, typically requiring an EICR every five years from a competent person.
2Pubs and licensed premises are also subject to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The responsible person must carry out a fire risk assessment and implement appropriate fire precautions including emergency lighting and fire detection.
3The EICR for a pub covers fixed wiring, distribution boards, cellar equipment circuits, beer cooler and chiller circuits, gaming machine circuits, kitchen extraction circuits, and emergency lighting — a significantly more complex scope than a residential inspection.
4Emergency lighting to BS 5266-1:2016 is required in all means of escape, including bar areas, function rooms, toilets, corridors, and all exit routes. Maintained or non-maintained luminaires are both acceptable.
5Fire detection systems in pubs and licensed premises must comply with BS 5839-1:2017 (commercial-grade systems with a central control panel). Grade D domestic systems are not appropriate for licensed premises.
6Gaming machine circuits are frequently found to be inadequately protected or on overloaded circuits during EICR inspections of licensed premises. Each machine should ideally be on a dedicated circuit with appropriate MCB protection. Under BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 Reg 411.3.3, omission of 30 mA RCD protection on socket-outlets in public areas requires a documented risk assessment — in a customer-access environment this will almost always conclude RCD protection is necessary.
7BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 introduces Reg 421.1.7, which recommends arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) in AC final circuits to reduce fire risk from arc fault currents. Pubs with pre-1990 wiring are prime candidates for an AFDD recommendation on the EICR. The regulation is advisory, not mandatory.

01 · Licensed Premises Guide

The Licensing Act 2003 and Electrical Safety

The Licensing Act 2003 is the primary legislation governing the sale of alcohol and the operation of licensed premises in England and Wales. It does not directly mandate an EICR, but it creates a framework under which local licensing authorities routinely attach electrical safety conditions to premises licences as part of the licensing objectives — in particular, the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance.

Premises licence conditions — local licensing authorities attach conditions to premises licences that promote the licensing objectives. Electrical safety conditions commonly require the premises licence holder to maintain a current EICR, carry out periodic maintenance, and produce the EICR to the licensing authority or building control within a specified period of request.
Licence review — risk of revocation — a premises licence can be reviewed and conditions added, modified, or the licence suspended or revoked where the licensing authority determines that the licensing objectives are not being promoted. A pub operating with an expired EICR and an electrical fire risk identified by environmental health inspectors can trigger a licence review.
Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) — the DPS is responsible for the day-to-day management of the licensed premises under the Licensing Act 2003. Compliance with licence conditions including electrical safety conditions falls within their responsibilities.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 — separately from the Licensing Act, all pubs and licensed premises are subject to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The responsible person must carry out a fire risk assessment, implement adequate fire precautions, and maintain fire safety equipment. The electrical installation is a key element of fire risk.

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02 · Licensed Premises Guide

Typical Licence Conditions for Electrical Safety

Local licensing authorities across England and Wales attach a variety of electrical safety conditions to premises licences. Whilst conditions vary between authorities, the following are common examples of what premises licence holders can expect.

Five-yearly EICR — the most common condition. The EICR must be carried out by a competent person (typically a registered member of a competent person scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT) and must be satisfactory. A copy must be available for inspection by the licensing authority on request.
Emergency lighting inspection and testing — monthly function tests and annual full-duration tests of the emergency lighting system, with records kept in a logbook available for inspection by the licensing authority or fire authority.
Fire alarm inspection and testing — weekly testing of at least one fire alarm call point or detector (rotated to test all devices over time), six-monthly inspection by a competent person, and annual full system test in accordance with BS 5839-1:2017.
Remedial works — specified timescale — where the EICR identifies C1 or C2 observations, remedial works must be completed within the timescale specified by the licence condition (typically 28 days, but may be shorter). Written confirmation of completion must be retained.

Premises licence holders should read their licence conditions carefully and diarise the inspection and testing requirements. Operating in breach of a licence condition is a criminal offence under the Licensing Act 2003.

03 · Licensed Premises Guide

EICR Frequency for Licensed Premises

Most local authority licence conditions specify a five-year EICR cycle. However, the intensity of use of electrical installations in licensed premises — high continuous loads, frequent equipment changes, damp cellar environments — means that a purely calendar-based approach to inspection may not be sufficient.

Five years — standard licence condition — the minimum period specified in most premises licence conditions. For a well-maintained modern installation in a low-use premises, five years is adequate.
Three years — high-use or older premises — industry best practice for high-volume premises (busy city-centre pubs, nightclubs, music venues), premises with older wiring (pre-1990 installations), or premises with damp or corrosive environments (coastal pubs, properties with cellar flooding history).
After change of occupier — when a pub changes hands, the new operator should commission a fresh EICR before reopening. An EICR commissioned by the previous operator may not reflect changes made by that operator, and the new operator bears responsibility for the installation from the date they take over.
After significant electrical work — a new kitchen installation, gaming machine circuit addition, or entertainment system upgrade should be followed by an EIC from the contractor (for notifiable work) or an EICR update to confirm the installation remains satisfactory.

04 · Licensed Premises Guide

What Inspectors Check in Pubs

An EICR for a pub is significantly more complex than a residential inspection. The qualified inspector will systematically assess every part of the fixed electrical installation, which in a pub typically includes elements not found in residential or small commercial premises.

BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 — What Has Changed for Licensed Premises EICRs

Revised Reg 411.3.3 — RCD risk-assessment route. A4:2026 revises Reg 411.3.3 so that omission of RCD protection on socket-outlets rated 32 A and below now requires a documented risk assessment for non-dwellings. Inspectors must check that any unprotected socket-outlet circuit is backed by a recorded risk assessment — not simply an absence of RCD. In a public access environment such as a pub, the risk assessment outcome will almost always mandate RCD protection.
New Reg 421.1.7 — AFDD recommendation. A4:2026 introduces Reg 421.1.7, which recommends the installation of arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) in AC final circuits to mitigate the risk of fire from arc fault currents. The recommendation is advisory, not mandatory — but for pubs with pre-1990 wiring, where ageing insulation increases arc fault risk, inspectors should consider noting AFDD installation as a recommendation on the EICR.
Reg 643.7.3.201 — PFC at multiple distribution boards. Prospective fault current must be measured or calculated at the origin of the installation and at other relevant points. A pub with multiple distribution boards requires a PFC determination at each DB — this is commonly missed in commercial EICRs and should be checked on every inspection.

Main switchgear and distribution boards — condition, labelling, accessibility, overcurrent protection, and RCD protection on appropriate circuits. Thermographic survey of distribution boards is best practice and can identify hot connections before they cause failures.
Catering kitchen circuits — commercial ovens, fryers, grills, dishwashers, and extraction systems draw high continuous currents. The inspector will verify correct MCB sizing, cable ratings, and that extraction interlock systems (which shut down cooking equipment if extraction fails) are correctly wired and functional.
Bar area circuits — glass washers, ice machines, refrigerated back-bar units, and dispensing equipment. High moisture environments require appropriate IP-rated fittings and adequate RCD protection. The inspector will check for signs of water ingress into electrical fittings.
Outdoor and beer garden circuits — outdoor sockets, garden lighting, outdoor heaters, and any outdoor bar or food service areas must be protected by 30mA RCD and installed with weatherproof fittings to a minimum IP44 rating.

05 · Licensed Premises Guide

Cellar Equipment and Beer Cooler Circuits

The pub cellar is an electrically intensive environment. Glycol coolers, beer cooler and chiller units, CO2 and mixed gas extraction systems, and cleaning equipment all operate in a damp, often poorly ventilated space. This combination of high electrical loads and moisture creates significant inspection challenges.

Glycol coolers — high continuous loads — glycol cellar cooling systems draw significant continuous current and run 24 hours a day. The inspector will verify that the circuit rating matches the cooling system's current draw, that the MCB is correctly sized, and that the cable is not undersized for the load.
Beer cooler circuits — RCD protection essential — beer cooler and chiller units in damp environments must be protected by 30mA RCD. A cellar beer cooler with a deteriorating motor or compressor seal can develop earth faults — without RCD protection, this presents a shock risk to cellar staff.
CO2 and mixed gas systems — CO2 and mixed gas extraction fans in cellars are safety-critical. The inspector will verify that extraction fan circuits are correctly installed, fused, and that any gas detection system interlock with the extraction fan is functional.
Insulation resistance — commonly low in cellars — damp cellar environments cause insulation resistance to deteriorate more rapidly than in dry areas. Low insulation resistance readings on cellar circuits are common and require investigation. The inspector will assess whether the low reading indicates active degradation or acceptable moisture ingress.

Key Test Values for Cellar and Commercial Circuits

Insulation resistance (Table 64) — minimum 1.0 MΩ when tested at 500 V DC for standard circuits up to and including 500 V. Cellar circuit readings near this threshold require further investigation to identify whether damp ingress or active insulation degradation is the cause.
RCD operating time (Reg 643.7.3.201) — a general non-delay 30 mA RCD must operate within a maximum of 300 ms when tested at its rated residual operating current (IΔn). Testing is carried out with suitable equipment to BS EN 61557-6.
Prospective fault current (Reg 643.7.3.201) — prospective short-circuit and earth fault current must be measured or calculated at the origin of the installation and at other relevant points. For a pub with multiple distribution boards, each DB is a relevant point requiring its own PFC determination.

06 · Licensed Premises Guide

Gaming Machine Circuits

Gaming machines in pubs are regulated by the Gambling Act 2005 and require specific electrical connections. They are among the most frequently deficient circuits found during EICR inspections of licensed premises.

Dedicated circuit — best practice — each gaming machine should ideally be on its own dedicated circuit with an appropriately sized MCB. Machines plugged into general bar area socket rings are susceptible to voltage fluctuations caused by other loads, which can cause machine errors and resets.
Extension lead use — commonly found — gaming machines frequently found on extension leads rather than hardwired connections. Extension leads are not appropriate for fixed gaming machine installations — a dedicated socket or hardwired connection is required. Extension leads will be recorded as an observation on the EICR.
RCD protection — required in public areas — under Regulation 411.3.3 of BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, RCD protection is required on socket-outlets rated at 32 A and below unless a documented, site-specific risk assessment determines it is not necessary. For a gaming machine socket in a public area with general customer access, a risk assessment will almost always conclude that 30 mA RCD protection is the correct outcome. Absence of RCD protection without a supporting documented risk assessment is recorded as a C2 observation on the EICR.

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07 · Licensed Premises Guide

Emergency Lighting Requirements for Pubs

Emergency lighting to BS 5266-1:2016 is required in all pubs and licensed premises as part of the fire safety measures under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The responsible person must ensure that emergency lighting covers all means of escape and provides adequate illumination for safe evacuation.

Coverage requirements — emergency lighting must cover all escape routes, all bar and function room areas, all toilet areas (where internal with no natural light), stairwells, corridors, and all final exit doors. Exit signs must be illuminated, either by maintained emergency luminaires or by non-maintained luminaires that illuminate the sign on power failure.
Duration — emergency lighting in licensed premises must operate for a minimum of one hour from the moment of mains power failure. Three-hour duration is required for higher-occupancy or higher-risk premises. The fire risk assessment determines the required duration.
Testing and records — monthly 30-second function tests and annual full-duration discharge tests must be carried out and recorded in a logbook. The logbook must be available for inspection by the licensing authority, fire authority, and the EICR inspector.
Inclusion in EICR scope — emergency lighting circuits are part of the fixed electrical installation and must be included in the EICR. The inspector will verify correct wiring, circuit protection, and operation of all emergency luminaires. Defective or missing emergency lighting is typically recorded as a C2 observation.

08 · Licensed Premises Guide

Fire Alarm Systems in Pubs — BS 5839-1:2017

Pubs and licensed premises require a commercial-grade fire alarm system to BS 5839-1:2017, not the domestic Grade D systems used in HMOs. The specific category of system is determined by the fire risk assessment.

L2 or L3 system — minimum for most pubs — automatic detection in escape routes and high-risk areas (kitchen, cellar). Manual call points adjacent to all final exits and at strategic points throughout the premises. Central control panel with visual and audible alarm.
L1 system — larger or high-occupancy venues — automatic detection in all areas including storage rooms, function rooms, and all areas accessible to the public. Required for venues with high occupancy loads, large floor plans, or complex layouts.
Weekly testing requirement — BS 5839-1 requires weekly testing of at least one manual call point (rotating to test all call points over time) and regular checks of the control panel. Six-monthly inspection and annual test by a competent person are also required. Records must be kept in a logbook.
Fire alarm wiring within EICR scope — the fire alarm system wiring is part of the fixed electrical installation. The EICR inspector will check the fire alarm circuit wiring, panel supply, and verify that the system is operational. Faults will be recorded as observations on the EICR.

09 · Licensed Premises Guide

Typical Compliance Costs for Licensed Premises (2026)

The cost of electrical compliance for a pub varies significantly with the size and condition of the premises. The following figures are indicative for a typical two-bar community pub with cellar, catering kitchen, and function room.

EICR — typical community pub — £800 to £2,000. The scope is substantially larger than a domestic EICR: multiple distribution boards, catering kitchen circuits, cellar equipment, gaming machine circuits, emergency lighting, and fire alarm wiring all increase inspection time.
Distribution board replacement — £1,500 to £3,000 per board for a commercial-grade RCBO distribution board. A pub may have two or three distribution boards. RCBO protection on each circuit is essential to prevent single-fault trips taking down the entire pub.
Emergency lighting installation or upgrade — £1,500 to £5,000 depending on the size of the premises and the number of luminaires required. Larger function rooms and multi-floor premises are at the higher end of this range.
Fire alarm system upgrade — £3,000 to £12,000 to upgrade from a basic manual system to a full L2 addressable system. Annual maintenance contracts for BS 5839-1 systems typically cost £500 to £1,500 per year.

10 · Licensed Premises Guide

For Electricians: Licensed Premises Inspection Work

Licensed premises EICRs command higher fees than residential work due to the complexity, scope, and specialist knowledge required. An electrician who understands licensing conditions, BS 5839-1 fire alarm requirements, and BS 5266-1 emergency lighting obligations is well placed to win and retain commercial pub clients.

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Frequently Asked Questions About EICR for Pubs and Licensed Premises

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EICR for Pubs & Licensed Premises UK: Licensing Requirements 2026

Key Takeaways

The Licensing Act 2003 and Electrical Safety

Get the BS 7671 A4:2026 Cheat Sheet — free

Typical Licence Conditions for Electrical Safety

EICR Frequency for Licensed Premises

What Inspectors Check in Pubs

BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 — What Has Changed for Licensed Premises EICRs

Cellar Equipment and Beer Cooler Circuits

Key Test Values for Cellar and Commercial Circuits

Gaming Machine Circuits

Try Elec-Mate free for 7 days

Emergency Lighting Requirements for Pubs

Fire Alarm Systems in Pubs — BS 5839-1:2017

Typical Compliance Costs for Licensed Premises (2026)

For Electricians: Licensed Premises Inspection Work

Complete Commercial EICRs On Site

Win High-Value Remedial Contracts

Win more licensed premises electrical work with Elec-Mate

Frequently Asked Questions About EICR for Pubs and Licensed Premises

Is an EICR a legal requirement for a pub?

How often does a pub need an EICR?

What does an EICR inspector check in a pub that is different from a house?

What type of fire alarm system does a pub need?

Does a pub need emergency lighting?

Are cellar equipment circuits included in the EICR scope?

What are the consequences of a pub failing an EICR?

Who is responsible for electrical safety in a tenanted pub?

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