How Many First Aiders Do You Need in a Licensed Premises?
- Simon Francis
- Aug 3
- 3 min read
How Many First Aiders Do You Need in a Licensed Premises?
If you operate a pub, bar, restaurant, nightclub or entertainment venue, you may be wondering how many trained first aiders you are legally required to have.
Is one first aider enough? Do you need somebody trained on every shift? Does the number of customers affect your decision?
The short answer is: it depends on the findings of your first-aid needs assessment.
▶️ Watch our video: How Many First Aiders Does a Licensed Premises Need?
Is there a legal first-aider-to-employee ratio?
There is no single statutory ratio that applies to every licensed premises.
Regulation 3 of the [Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1981/917/regulation/3) requires employers to provide first-aid equipment, facilities and personnel that are “adequate and appropriate” for their particular circumstances.
This means the correct level of first-aid provision will depend on the nature of your premises, its risks, its workforce and how it operates.
A small café will not necessarily require the same arrangements as a busy nightclub, late-night bar or large restaurant.
Start with a first-aid needs assessment
Your decision should begin with a suitable first-aid needs assessment.
The [Health and Safety Executive](https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/firstaid/assess-business-need.htm) advises employers to consider factors including:
The type of work being undertaken
Workplace hazards and the likelihood of harm
The size of the workforce
Staff working patterns
Holidays and other absences
Previous accidents and incidents
Lone, remote or travelling workers
The distance from emergency medical services
Members of the public and other non-employees
Recording your assessment provides evidence of how you reached your decision and can help demonstrate that your arrangements were properly considered.
Risks within licensed premises
Licensed premises can present several overlapping risks, including:
Cuts from broken glass
Burns and scalds in kitchens
Slips, trips and falls
Manual-handling injuries
Alcohol-related illness
Violence or disorder
Allergic reactions
Sudden medical emergencies
Incidents involving vulnerable customers
The size and layout of the venue should also be considered. One trained first aider may not be able to respond quickly across separate floors, outside areas, event spaces or a large-capacity premises.
Is an appointed person the same as a first aider?
No.
An appointed person manages the workplace’s first-aid arrangements. Their responsibilities can include checking first-aid equipment and calling the emergency services.
An appointed person does not necessarily have formal first-aid training and should not be presented as a trained first aider unless they hold an appropriate current qualification.
The HSE advises that an appointed person must be available whenever people are at work. More information is available in the [HSE guidance on appointed persons](https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/firstaid/first-aid-appoint-someone.htm).
Remember to cover every shift
Having one trained employee does not necessarily provide adequate first-aid cover.
Your arrangements should account for:
Different trading shifts
Meal and rest breaks
Annual leave
Sickness and unexpected absence
Staff turnover
Separate floors and working areas
Private events and busy trading periods
If your only first aider is unavailable, your premises could be left without effective cover.
For many licensed venues, a first-aid needs assessment may identify the need for trained cover on every relevant trading shift, together with additional trained staff to cover foreseeable absences.
This is an assessment-based decision—not a universal legal requirement applying identically to every premises.
Should customers be included?
The First-Aid Regulations primarily place duties on employers in relation to their employees.
However, the [HSE strongly recommends](https://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/legislation.htm) including non-employees, such as customers and other members of the public, within the first-aid needs assessment.
This is particularly important for licensed premises that may accommodate large numbers of customers, operate late at night or host entertainment and special events.
Customer numbers should not be treated as a simple legal ratio. They should be considered as part of the overall risk profile of the premises.
Five steps for better first-aid compliance
Licensed premises operators should:
1. Complete and record a first-aid needs assessment.
2. Select training that reflects the likely risks and injuries.
3. Ensure suitable arrangements are available throughout every relevant shift.
4. Consider customers and other non-employees.
5. Review the assessment following changes, incidents or concerns.
Your assessment should also be reviewed if you change your hours, capacity, layout, activities, staffing levels or style of operation.
Do not guess your first-aid provision
There is no automatic answer based only on employee numbers.
The appropriate number of first aiders for your licensed premises must be determined by assessing your risks, working arrangements and the people who may require assistance.
Licensing Professionals can support licensed premises operators with compliance reviews, risk assessments, operating procedures and licensing matters.
Visit Licensing Professionals
This article provides general information and does not replace a premises-specific first-aid needs assessment, current HSE guidance or professional advice.
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