Violence at Work - Risk Assessment in Licensed Premises

Find guidance for employers about risk assessment of work-related violence in licensed premises such as pubs and clubs.

The main causes of violence in pubs and clubs include:

• disagreements between customers

• customers being drunk

• customers who have used illegal drugs

In pubs and clubs, entrances can be ‘hot spots’ for violence. Clubs are sometimes more at risk because customers have been drinking for longer by the time they get there.

People working in pubs and clubs experience:

• frequent verbal abuse

• physical assaults, including the use of weapons

• racial discrimination

Help with Risk Assessments and Control Measures

Go to the Violence at Work Toolkit for Licensed and Retail Premises, on the HSE website for practical advice on how to conduct a risk assessment and take action to prevent or control work-related violence.

The toolkit contains information on a wide range of possible control measures and good practice that other businesses have found effective.

You can also use the Violence at Work Self Assessment Questionnaire on the IOSH Risk Assessment Routefinder website.

For help with risk assessment of other health and safety issues in licensed premises, go to General Risk Assessments for Pubs and Clubs, in our Bar and Cellar Safety section in Related Pages.