Sports, amusement and recreation businesses bring the public into contact with physical activity, water, mechanical rides, licensed entertainment and — in some cases — gambling. The workplace health and safety duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 apply to every operator. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces in Great Britain; the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) enforces in Northern Ireland.
Beyond that shared foundation, the rules diverge by what you operate. Some activities require a licence, safety certificate or permit before you can open to the public.
What you need to do
Identify the description that best fits your business. If more than one applies — for example you run a leisure centre with a swimming pool, a gym and a licensed bar — follow every obligation that applies.
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Every sports, amusement and recreation business
Whatever you operate, start with the universal spine. Follow "Set up and run a safe sports, amusement and recreation business" for your health and safety, fire safety, employers' liability insurance, equality and data protection duties.
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You run venues serving alcohol, host sports events, operate a pool, coach children, run rides, offer adventure activities or operate gaming machines
These activities carry their own licensing, certification, safeguarding or safety duties on top of the universal spine. All seven activity-specific regimes are covered in "Meet your sports, amusement and recreation regulatory duties" — from premises licences and sports ground safety certificates through to adventure activity licensing and gaming machine permits.
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Confirm you have covered everything
Whatever you operate, finish with the sports, amusement and recreation compliance checklist to confirm your obligations are met before you open or continue trading.
Legal basis
Primary legislation and key regulations
Read it on legislation.gov.uk (opens in a new tab) legislation.gov.uk