Restaurants & licensing
Restaurant outdoor seating: hose reels, extinguishers and fire access
Planning outdoor restaurant seating? Review the approved area, hose-reel coverage, extinguishers and access. For hotpot or food warming, also check the permitted fuel and operating conditions.
Quick answers
What fire equipment will the outdoor seating need?
Provide the outdoor area, layout, hose-reel positions and fuel plan. The contractor can check coverage and applicable requirements, then identify the extinguishers, protective cabinets and positions needed.
Legal information
Requirements vary by premises. Confirm the work with the responsible professional using the premises use, approved plans, licence conditions and any written directions.
Map tables, parasols and access routes
Outdoor seating must keep escape routes, fire installations and emergency vehicle access clear. FSD's additional requirements also address separation from dangerous-goods installations and hydrants; review these against the actual layout.
Show tables, chairs, parasol bases, barriers and service trolleys on the plan as they will be used during service. Before ordering, check that corners, entrances and trolley positions leave the required routes clear.
Check coverage and outdoor equipment protection
The outdoor-seating document specifies dry-powder extinguishers where hose-reel coverage is insufficient and for specified-fuel hotpot or warming. Ask the contractor to show the required quantities and positions based on the area, use and applicable provisions.
Extinguisher cabinets and materials such as parasols also have requirements. Share product details before purchase and ask the quote to include the cabinet, installation, marking and supporting documentation needed.
Review fuel and staffing before adding hotpot service
Check fuel and operating conditions against the outdoor-seating appendix and your premises requirements. Before ordering appliances, send the contractor their models, fuel types and proposed positions to confirm they suit the planned service.
For daily operations, prepare a short opening, damage-reporting and closing checklist. If tables are added or moved later, update the layout and request a review of equipment coverage.
Practical checklist
- Check the approved outdoor seating boundary
- Mark routes, fire equipment and parasol bases
- Verify hose coverage and extinguisher provision
- Check cabinets and material documentation
- State whether hotpot or food warming is proposed
Enquire about outdoor-seating fire provision
Send the outdoor layout, area and equipment photos, and tell us whether hotpot or food warming is planned.
- Review outdoor equipment and access
- Assess alterations and coordination
- Quote installation, testing and maintenance
Official sources
The official documents below provide the full requirements and any updates.
Related reading
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Read articleFire extinguishers in Hong Kong: types, water and electrical fires
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Read articleRELATED SERVICE
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