Pub company fined for fire-safety breaches
Feb 24, 2010
A pub management company has been convicted of breaching fire safety law by magistrates.
The magistrates fined the company £5000 for each of four offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. In light of the company’s early guilty plea, however, the total fine was reduced to £15,000. The company was also ordered to pay the prosecution’s costs.
The offences came to light after the local Fire & Rescue Service attended an incident at a local pub in 2008.
An investigation by fire safety officers discovered that fire doors and fire exits had been screwed shut, or left propped open, escape routes were obstructed, and fire-protection systems had not been maintained. Consequently, the company was charged with failing to carry out or record a fire risk assessment, and failure to have effective protection policies and prevention measures in place.
It was also charged with failing to provide suitable and sufficient information for the licensee it had contracted to run the pub on its behalf. Separate charges are being pursued against this individual in connection with the case.
It is generally rare for a fire and rescue service to undertake prosecutions but, on this occasion, the offences were so severe it was felt to be in the public interest to pursue charges.
This case clearly shows that companies have a duty to ensure that fire safety is not compromised.
Wilby Risk Management can carry out a Fire Risk Assessment at your premises. Call 01422 358525 for further information.
