Tough new fire safety regulations are to be re-examined amid reports that they are forcing B&Bs in Scotland to close down.
TOUGH new fire safety regulations are to be re-examined amid reports that they are forcing B&Bs in Scotland to close down.
The 2007 rules brought very small premises such as family homes into the fire precaution regime for the first time, but have not been applied uniformly as they are open to interpretation by safety officers.
The Scottish Tourism Forum (STF) has called for clarity over guidance relating to B&B safety rules amid fears that over-zealous reading of new laws could affect the tourism industry at an already difficult time.
The Scottish Government admitted yesterday that the guidelines "may be imposing burdens that are not proportionate to the risks" and that it is to set up a working group to examine the implications.
Businesses said that while the move is welcome it has come too late for those who have already closed down. These may number dozens of very small establishments, many of whom will have had only one or two bedrooms, yet they may have been asked to comply with rules relating to six-room guesthouses.
Barbara Lever, of Arduaine Bed and Breakfast in Wigtown, said her neighbour sold up and left after being told she would have to put fire doors on her three guest rooms.
Ms Lever said: "She said she couldn't afford it. She has sold up and gone back to England."
The STF, which said that anyone offering accommodation should always carry out a full risk assessment anyway, claimed a number of premises have closed.
Iain Herbertson, chief executive, said: "We are pleased to hear that a working group is being formed to produce new guidance material for the small bed and breakfast providers, we have been concerned by the number of operators being asked to install top-end precautions in low-risk assessed premises.
"The industry puts visitor safety at the top of the list however it must be practical and appropriate."
David MacIntyre, secretary of the Scottish Guest House and Bed and Breakfast Association, said: "In effect the practical implications of it were they were trying to impose the legislation for six bedrooms to those with one or two."
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "The recent Ministerial Advisory Group meeting agreed that the guidance should be reviewed in the meantime, the scope will be amended to make clear that it does not apply to small bed and breakfasts."
