Perth pub owners have warned Premier Mark McGowan that he could soon have blood on his hands if the State Government does not tighten security and safety around pop-up bars.

In a letter sent recently to Mr McGowan, hotelier Jon Sainken claimed the Government was playing “Russian roulette” with young WA lives because pop-up bars were not bound to the same safety and security requirements as established premises.

Mr Sainken, who was backed by Windsor Hotel owner Geoff Ogden, said that pop-up bar approvals outside normal regulations caused increasing uncertainty, economic hardship and resentment in the hotel industry. “Bypassing the web of regulations governing public safety has consequences,” Mr Sainken wrote.

“Those in charge turning a blind eye to a lower level of safety regulation in temporary venues officially sanction a double standard. Duty demands that those in charge end this fiasco before it becomes a tragedy followed by argument, official inquiry and political scandal.”

He told The West Australian: “Innovation is wonderful, but these fly-by-nighters don’t adhere to the high safety standards, rentals, council rates and employee facilities required of the rest of the industry.”

Mr Sainken, a director of the Leederville Hotel, Mindarie Marina Hotel and Club Bay View, said his concerns came after attending a Northbridge pop-up bar touted as being capable of holding 5000 patrons. He said it lacked the required exit and fire equipment standards.

He welcomed competition that helped strengthen the industry but was adamant regulations had to be uniformly applied.

A Government spokeswoman said pop-up venues and festivals all faced stringent approval processes and talks aimed at growing “Perth’s vibrancy and support existing businesses” were continuing with the Australian Hotels Association WA.

“Perth’s culture continues to evolve and the Government is committed to providing locals and visitors with a wide range of choices that are safe and effective, while also protecting the interests of existing facilities,” she said.