With wall-to-wall sunshine over the past few weeks, outdoor spaces across the UK have come to life, offering pubs, bars, and restaurants the perfect opportunity to welcome guests eager for alfresco food and drink. Hospitality venues are buzzing as beer gardens, terraces, and patios fill up with visitors making the most of the brighter days.
At Shield Safety, we know just how vital this time of year is. The energy, the footfall, and yes – the operational challenges. So, we’re here to help you make the most of it, with tips on getting your outdoor areas ready, your team prepped, and your venue as safe and welcoming as possible.
People First: Preparing Your Team for a Busy Season
Staff are the heart of any hospitality business – and as we move into peak outdoor trading, making sure they’re confident and capable is key to ensuring both safety and customer satisfaction.
Whether you’re onboarding new seasonal recruits or refreshing your current team, consider the following:
1. Refreshed Inductions & Briefings
- Have your team been walked through your site’s outdoor setup, including any updated procedures?
- Are they aware of key risks like trip hazards, weather safety, pests, or working with BBQ/gas equipment?
If you’ve got returning seasonal workers, don’t assume they’re up to speed. New menus, new ways of working, or changes in allergen procedures may have been introduced since they were last on shift – make sure they’re briefed and supported.
2. Clear Menu Knowledge
- Can they speak confidently about allergen risks, substitutions, and ingredients?
- Are they ready to support guests with food hypersensitivities appropriately and professionally?
- Have they been updated on seasonal menu changes or drinks promos?
3. Up-to-Date Training
- Are staff trained on safe food handling and hygiene practices?
- Do they know the correct procedures for daily checks – and how to report any issues?
- With outdoor areas busier than ever, are they prepared to jump into different roles, like supporting the kitchen or bar during peak times?
Outdoor Readiness: What to Check Before You Trade
Opening up your outdoor space isn’t just about putting out a few tables – it’s about creating a safe, functional, and enjoyable environment for guests and staff alike. Here’s a practical checklist to get your garden, patio, or terrace ready for action:
Physical Safety & Cleanliness
- Furniture – Check all garden furniture is clean, in good condition, and free from splinters or sharp edges. Avoid wobbly chairs or tables that could collapse. When positioning, ensure furniture isn’t blocking walkways or placed too close to garden edges or drops.
- Walkways and paths – All paths should be even and trip-free. Replace or repair any broken slabs, clear away moss or algae, and make sure steps are clearly visible.
- Play areas – All equipment, including safety surfaces if you have them, should be in good condition and safety displayed. Book in external inspections as needed..
- Water features – Risk assess ponds, rivers, or canals. If required, ensure barriers, safety signage and rescue equipment is in good order.
- Fire exits and routes – Clear and marked. Trim back bushes or foliage that may block access, visibility and CCTV.
Weather & Environment
- Parasols and umbrellas – Ensure they are secured and bring them in during bad weather. Watch out for April showers!
- Patio heaters and BBQs – Check for gas/electrical safety and store safely.
- Drainage – Prevent waterlogging by checking for debris or blockages.
Top Tip: Monitor the Met Office for local weather warnings – reacting early can save your setup from storm damage and help protect staff and guests.
Operational Set-Up
- CCTV – Fully functional and covering all key outdoor areas. Make sure cameras are clean, properly aligned, and recording as expected.
- Lighting – Check all light bulbs are working and provide adequate visibility.
Waste & pest control – Manage bins properly and check for signs of rats or other pests. Act early and contact pest control if needed.
BBQ safety – If you’re setting up a BBQ or outdoor kitchen area, make sure equipment is set up safely, regularly maintained, and staff are trained on safe usage. Consider fire risk, gas safety, and placement away from guest areas.
Read our full BBQ safety guide here
Safety Isn’t Seasonal – But It Does Need Focus
This is a time of huge opportunity for the hospitality sector. Guests are ready to enjoy the outdoors again, and businesses are in a prime spot to offer fantastic experiences. But safety should never take a back seat – it’s what protects your team, your customers, and your reputation.
From allergen management and team training to daily safety checks and pest prevention – it’s the small, consistent habits that make a big difference in keeping your operation smooth, safe, and successful.
Looking for Guidance? We’re Here to Help
We know how fast-paced hospitality gets – and we’re here to support you. From food hygiene training to health and safety audits, risk assessments to system setup, our experts have helped thousands of venues stay compliant and confident.
So here’s to a brilliant season of blue skies, full gardens, and buzzing
