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A Cornwall hospitality business owner has been fined £12,775 after serious fire safety violations were uncovered during inspections in 2023. The case highlights the critical importance of compliance with fire safety laws to protect lives and property.
The owner of The Tree Inn in Stratton, Bude, was found guilty of four offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Inspections by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service in May and September 2023 revealed several significant safety failures, including:
- Insufficient fire detectors and smoke alarms
- A blocked fire escape obstructed by an air conditioning unit
- Missing fire doors in high-risk areas
The business owner admitted the offences at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court on 25 March and received an £8,000 fine, along with £2,755 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge. All safety issues have since been addressed. Matt Worthington, Fire Safety Manager at Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We always aim to work with businesses to ensure fire safety, but when lives are at risk, we won’t hesitate to take enforcement action.”
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Antony Bartlett stressed the broader implications:
“This case is a stark reminder that business owners have a legal duty to protect staff, customers, and the public. We carry out over 600 fire safety audits a year and will hold those who flout the law accountable.” The service urges all businesses to regularly assess their fire safety measures and remain compliant with current regulations.
During the inspections, officers found insufficient fire detectors and smoke alarms, as well as a lack of appropriate fire risk assessments. They also discovered a blocked escape route obstructed by an air conditioning unit and an absence of required fire doors in key areas. All of these fire safety related elements highlight the importance of an ongoing fire risk assessment approach in culture and thought when running a business. Hospitality businesses are prone to increased risks due to the nature of visitors, guests and users at any facility. New visitors will lack the familiarity element of a hospitality location.
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