Get Your Pub or Restaurant Summer-Ready – Is Your Insurance Ready Too?
As temperatures rise and outdoor dining returns, pubs, bars and restaurants across the UK are preparing for one of their busiest times of the year.
Whether you’re refreshing your beer garden, adding more outdoor seating or investing in new parasols and patio heaters, summer is a great opportunity to maximise revenue. But while many businesses focus on creating the perfect outdoor space, insurance can often be overlooked.
At Langley Supply Group, we work closely with hospitality businesses every day, supplying the products and services that help venues thrive. We also know that protecting those investments is just as important as making them. That’s why we work alongside our trusted insurance partner, JPM Broking Services, who specialise in helping pubs, restaurants and licensed premises find insurance solutions tailored to their business.
Outdoor Trading Brings New Opportunities – and New Risks
Outdoor spaces have become an essential part of the hospitality experience. Customers expect comfortable seating, attractive surroundings and a welcoming atmosphere, making outdoor furniture and equipment valuable business assets.
If you’ve recently invested in your outdoor area, it’s worth asking yourself:
- Are your tables and chairs insured?
- Is your outdoor furniture covered against theft or accidental damage?
- Have you added new parasols, heaters or lighting since your policy was last reviewed?
- Does your insurer know you’re trading outside more than before?
Many businesses assume these items are automatically covered under their existing policy, but that’s not always the case.
What Should You Be Checking?
Depending on your policy, you may need to ensure cover extends to outdoor equipment such as:
- Outdoor tables, chairs and benches
- Parasols and canopies
- Outdoor structures
- Patio heaters
- Lighting and electrical equipment
- Portable bars and serving stations
- Stock stored in outdoor trading areas
Every business is different, so it’s worth reviewing your policy before the busy season gets underway.
Using Public Space? Don’t Forget Your Pavement Licence
If you’re planning to place tables and chairs on public land, you’ll usually need a pavement licence from your local authority.
These licences often include conditions covering:
- Customer access
- Furniture layout
- Safety requirements
- Accessibility
- Trading hours
Failure to comply with these conditions could lead to fines or enforcement action and, in some cases, may affect an insurance claim if your insurer hasn’t been informed about your outdoor trading arrangements.
Keep Your Insurance Up to Date
Businesses naturally evolve over time. Perhaps you’ve expanded your seating area, introduced outdoor dining or invested in new equipment.
If your insurer isn’t aware of these changes, your policy may no longer reflect how your business operates today.
A quick insurance review can help ensure you’re properly protected before the summer season reaches full swing.
Supporting Hospitality Businesses Beyond Supplies
At Langley Supply Group, we’re committed to supporting hospitality businesses with more than just products. Through our partnership with JPM Broking Services, we can also help connect customers with specialist insurance advice designed specifically for the hospitality sector.
Whether you’re opening your beer garden for the first time or expanding your outdoor trading space, having the right insurance in place can provide valuable peace of mind.
If you’d like to review your existing cover or discuss your insurance requirements, JPM Broking Services are on hand to help.
Need help reviewing your hospitality insurance?
As a trusted partner of Langley Supply Group, JPM Broking Services can help ensure your pub or restaurant has the right protection in place for the busy summer season. Get in touch with the team today to discuss your requirements.