Business owner ordered to pay £12,775 for multiple fire safety breaches

At the time of the inspections, there were inadequate fire detectors and smoke alarms and a lack of suitable risk assessments having been conducted. The officers also found an escape route was blocked by an air conditioning unit, while the premises didn’t have suitable fire doors in place where required. 

On 25 March at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court, Floyd pleaded guilty to four charges under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. He was fined £8,000, ordered to pay full costs of £2,755 and a victim surcharge of £2,000.

The issues identified during the inspections in 2023 have since been rectified.

Matt Worthington, fire safety manager for the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, said: “While we strive to work with business owners to maintain fire safety standards, our priority is always to keep our communities safe. Prosecution is always a last resort, but when serious risks to public safety are identified, we will not hesitate to take action.”

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service continues to encourage all business owners to review their fire safety measures and ensure compliance with legal requirements to protect both staff and customers.

Antony Bartlett, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, added: “We have a duty to ensure that businesses prioritise the safety of their employees, customers and the public. This case serves as a stark reminder to employers, managers and owners of similar establishments that they have a responsibility to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.”  

Bartlett concluded: “We are unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding lives and property, conducting over 600 fire safety audits of business premises every year. We will continue to hold those who disregard these critical fire safety regulations accountable for their actions.”