Takeaway owner “who put lives at risk” prosecuted at Truro Crown Court

Multiple fire safety breaches were discovered at the Central Grill, and the first floor accommodation at the premises, during a fire safety audit conducted by inspectors from the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service.

At the time of the audit, the first floor was being used as sleeping accommodation. Zurel, aged 26, had committed multiple breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, placing residents living on the first floor at significant risk of death or serious injury.

At Truro Crown Court, Zurel pleaded guilty on five counts:

*failing to make a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment on or before February 2024

*failing to ensure the premises were adequately equipped with appropriate firefighting equipment, fire detectors and fire alarms

*two counts of failing to maintain the integrity of emergency escape routes

*ailing to comply with the terms of an Enforcement Notice issued by the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service

On 18 March, Zurel received a 16-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years. This was reduced from 20 months in recognition of early guilty pleas.

He was also ordered to complete 200 hours’ worth of unpaid work, pay £4,800 in costs at a rate of £200 per month and also pay a £154 victim surcharge.

Unacceptable risk

The appointed spokesperson for the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said: “Fire safety laws exist to protect lives. The failings identified at Central Grill created a wholly unacceptable risk of death or serious injury for those residing above the premises. Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service will always take enforcement action where serious breaches are identified.”

The spokesperson continued: “We welcome the sentence. This prosecution demonstrates that, while we strive to work collaboratively with business owners to uphold fire safety standards, our overriding priority is the safety of our communities. Prosecution remains a last resort, but when serious risks to public safety are discovered, we will not hesitate to act.”

In the aftermath of this case, the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is now urging all business owners and ‘Responsible Persons’ to regularly review their fire safety arrangements and ensure that fire risk assessments are undertaken, kept up-to-date and always remain suitable and sufficient.