The tables are booked. Decorations are going up. Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations are filling the calendar.
For bars, restaurants, hotels and event venues across Malta, preparations should also include one essential question: is your venue ready to keep everyone safe?
A tragedy we must remember
On 1 January 2026, a devastating fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, claimed lives and injured many people during New Year celebrations. Behind the headlines are families, friends and communities whose lives have changed forever.
As another festive season approaches, remembering those affected should encourage us to give fire safety the attention it deserves wherever people gather.
Festive decorations change your space
An additional table, Christmas tree or seasonal display can affect how people move through a venue. Decorations may also obscure exit signs or introduce combustible materials near heat sources.
Before welcoming guests, check your festive layout. Keep escape routes clear, exits immediately usable and emergency signage visible. Position combustible decorations away from heaters, lights and naked flames.
Review your fire risk assessment to reflect the event you are planning, including changes to the layout and expected attendance.
Check the protection behind the celebrations
Guests notice the atmosphere, entertainment and service. The systems protecting them deserve just as much attention.
Fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting and suitable firefighting equipment all play a role in protecting people. Arrange the necessary checks and maintenance with competent professionals before the busiest dates arrive.
Consider your venue as a whole: can a fire be detected promptly, can everyone be alerted, and can they leave safely?
Make sure your team knows the plan
Festive shifts often bring together permanent employees, temporary staff and external suppliers. Everyone needs to understand the emergency arrangements.
Before each event, brief your team on how to raise the alarm, where the escape routes and assembly point are, and who will guide guests to safety. Include arrangements for people who may need assistance.
Evacuation should take priority. Staff should never put themselves at risk attempting to tackle a fire.
Make fire safety part of your festive preparations
Fire safety belongs in the planning conversation alongside catering, entertainment and guest experience. Starting early gives you time to identify concerns, arrange maintenance and prepare your team.
At Alberta, we help businesses protect their people and premises through fire detection, alarm and suppression solutions, supported by professional installation and maintenance.
Before the festive season gets busy, speak to Alberta about your venue’s fire protection needs.
Because the most important part of any celebration is that everyone gets home safely.
