By ignoring a fire risk assessment, a pub landlady could well have been given a jail sentence because she exposed her customers, her staff and also members of the public to extreme danger.
Carmel Heathcote, the licensee at The Harrow Inn in Boughton, avoided a jail sentence but was instead ordered to pay a penalty of more than £11,000.
The case was heard at Nottingham Crown court. Despite a fire risk assessment being carried out, Carmel Heathcote chose to ignore the requirements because the first floor of the Harrow Inn pub was being used as sleeping accommodation for between 13 and 16 guests.
Head of fire protection at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, John Mills, said: “All business owners have a legal obligation to adhere to the relevant legislation relating to fire safety in their premises in order to ensure their staff, customers and members of the public are kept safe from fire.
“What is key in this case is that the defendant was in possession of a fire risk assessment which specifically identified that the premises were not suitable for sleeping accommodation. Unfortunately this had not been updated to reflect the high risks associated with allowing people to sleep there.
“This sentence sends a very strong message to the owners and managers of premises regarding their legal responsibilities and the potential consequences of ignoring them, and it also sends a very positive message to those conscientious landlords and property managers who ensure their staff and customers are kept safe.”
The fire risk assessment found on inspection evidence of people sleeping on the first floor of the property. There was, however, no way of detecting a fire or raising the alarm in the event of an emergency. There was no emergency lighting and the escape route was not adequately protected from fire or smoke.
Carmel Heathcote admitted six counts of breaching fire safety regulations and paid the hefty price.
This sentence is a warning to business owners that failure to comply with fire risk assessments will incur a substantial fine or even a term in jail.
The writer of this blog will be happy to advise you in respect of all your fire risk responsibilities which do apply to all businesses and organisations regardless of type or size.
