Nov. 8, 2004 – Golf clubs across the UK are being urged not to penny pinch when it comes to new fire regulations soon to be introduced.

Michael Shaw, National Secretary of the National Golf Clubs Advisory
Association (NGCAA), explained: "All golf clubs need to have a Fire Certificate in order to operate. These have always been supplied free of charge by the local Fire Service but from January 2005, such certificates will no longer exist.

"Instead, clubs will become responsible for their own fire risk assessments. Most clubs will need to rely on the expertise of an external consultant to undertake a review and this could cost quite a lot of money depending on the size of the club." Although a system will be implemented to penalize clubs who fail to undertake assessments and implement suitable precautions, the NGCAA is concerned that many will flout their obligations.

"I'm certain that many clubs won't want to pay for an assessment and will just carry on without commissioning a fire risk assessment. The harsh reality is that these clubs could be jeopardizing the health and safety of their members and guests in their bid to save a few pounds."

Shaw also added that further problems may arise on any conversion or variation of the club's registration certificate or license when the new licensing regulations take effect in February next year.

· The National Golf Clubs' Advisory Association was founded in 1922.

· Over 1150 clubs are members of the NGCAA, including the Royal and Ancient Club of St Andrews.

· NGCAA is supported by all the Home Golfing Unions.

· The NGCAA offers legal advice to members through its team of legal advisors headed by the National Secretary, a qualified lawyer, and is directed by an honorary Executive Committee comprising past and serving Secretaries of Golf Clubs.

· As well as legal advice - administrative support on matters of taxation, administration of rules and constitutional matters advice is also given by the NGCAA.

· In August 2002 the government announced it was going to carry out a major revision of the existing Fire Safety Legislation.

· The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2004 will revoke the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997.