A self-catering holiday let business has been ordered to pay a total of £33,658 in fines and court costs after failing to adhere to fire safety regulations.
On October 17, 2023, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service received concerns regarding the fire safety provisions at holiday accommodation known as Premier Apartments Flats 1 to 4 in St Ives.
During an inspection at the premises on the same day, the Fire Safety Inspector found multiple fire safety breaches including a lack of risk suitable risk assessments and inadequate fire detection.
On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court, Gill [St Ives] Holiday Enterprises Limited was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to the following charges under the Regulatory Reform [Fire Safety] Order 2005:
• Failing to make suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to relevant persons
• Failing to implement general fire precautions
• Failing to provide adequate fire detection and warning contrary
• Failing to ensure that in the event of danger it was possible for persons to evacuate the premises as quickly and as safely as possible.
Sentencing, District Judge Jo Matson said fire safety matters were extremely serious due to the risks that can occur. She added that those staying at the premises were on holiday and should be protected.
The court heard that following the inspection in 2023, the company had spent around £25,000 rectifying the issues raised.
Gill [St Ives] Holiday Enterprises Limited was ordered to pay a fine of £22,660, a victim surcharge of £2,000 and £8,998 in costs. The company was given 28 days to make full payment.
Kathryn Billing, Chief Fire Officer at Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The Fire Safety Order is designed to protect life in the event of fire, and whilst prosecution is always a last resort, the case serves as a strong reminder to those with responsibilities that if they fail to meet their regulatory requirements or put people at significant risk in the event of fire, we will not hesitate to seek the highest sanctions possible.”
Business owners can find more information regarding their fire safety responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order on the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service Business Fire Safety website.
Press release issued on April 29, 2025
A business owner has been ordered to pay a total of £12,775 in fines and court costs after failing to adhere to fire safety regulations.
Officers from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service found serious fire safety breaches in the guest accommodation of the Tree Inn, Stratton, Bude, when they inspected the premises in May 2023 and September 2023.
At the time of the inspections, there were inadequate fire detectors and smoke alarms and a lack of suitable risk assessments. The officers also found an escape route was blocked by an air conditioning unit and the premises did not have suitable fire doors where required.
On Tuesday, March 25, at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court, Simon Floyd, owner of the Tree Inn, pleaded guilty to four charges under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Floyd 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 Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, said: “While we strive to work with business owners to maintain fire safety standards, our priority is 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 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.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding lives and property, conducting over 600 audits of business premises every year. We will continue to hold those who disregard these critical fire safety regulations accountable for their actions."
Information regarding fire safety responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order can be found on the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service Business Fire Safety website.
Press release issued on March 23, 2025