Overview
The civil defence licence holds up new premises more often than any other requirement, because it is the one condition paperwork cannot satisfy: an inspector visits the site and sees for himself whether the fire, alarm and exit systems comply. Neither the municipal licence nor the industrial licence completes without it.
Most refusals trace back to decisions made during fit-out: an emergency exit with nowhere to go, a corridor narrower than required, or a suppression system chosen without regard to the activity. Correcting these after fit-out means demolition and rework — which is why reviewing the requirements before construction is far cheaper than remediating after.
Rapture reviews the requirements for your activity before execution where possible, then prepares the file and files through the Salama platform, attends the site inspection with the team, and clears any observations through to certificate issuance — plus periodic renewal and the system maintenance the rules require.
Who is this service for?
- New premises needing a safety certificate to complete the municipal licence
- Factories and warehouses subject to stricter safety requirements
- Restaurants, cafés and commercial premises with public footfall
- Anyone issued civil defence observations who needs them cleared before closure
Required documents
- Commercial registration and documented lease contract
- Site sketch and building and exit layouts
- Specifications of installed alarm and suppression systems
- Approved maintenance contract for the safety systems
- National address of the establishment
- Accredited engineering office report where requested
How the process works
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Review the activity requirements
We identify the safety requirements applying to your specific activity and floor area — they differ substantially between a warehouse, a restaurant and a factory — and review the site before fit-out where possible.
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Meet the technical requirements
We oversee installation of alarm, suppression, exit and signage systems to specification, coordinating with an accredited engineering office where needed.
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File through the Salama platform
We submit the application with the required documents and drawings, and book the site inspection.
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Inspection and clearing observations
We attend the inspection with the team and, where observations are raised, complete the remediation and resubmit until the safety certificate is issued.
Expected turnaround
One to four weeks; longer where structural remediation is required after the inspection.
Frequently asked questions
Does every establishment need a civil defence licence?
Most premises-based businesses need a safety certificate, with requirements scaling by activity, floor area and occupancy. High-risk premises such as factories and warehouses face far stricter conditions than offices.
What are the most common reasons for refusal?
Too few emergency exits or non-compliant widths, alarm or suppression systems unsuited to the activity classification, no approved maintenance contract, or flammable materials stored non-compliantly.
How does it relate to the municipal licence?
The safety certificate is a prerequisite for issuing and renewing the municipal licence. Any lapse in it reflects directly on the municipal licence and can lead to closure.
Do I need a maintenance contract for safety systems?
Yes. The rules require a valid maintenance contract with an approved provider for alarm and suppression systems. Systems present but without documented maintenance is a recurring cause of failed inspections.
What if a closure order is issued on safety grounds?
Closure orders are lifted after remediation and re-inspection. The faster you act, the fewer days of trading you lose — we handle the full track on priority in these cases.