Kent-based business Miller Food and Wine Limited has been fined after admitting to multiple fire safety breaches that put staff and customers at risk.

The company, located on Lower Stone Street in Maidstone, was sentenced at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 3 September following a prosecution brought by Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS).

Fire safety inspection findings

The case stemmed from a KFRS inspection in March 2022, which uncovered significant fire safety issues. Officers identified missing fire precautions and breaches in the building’s compartmentation – problems that posed a serious risk to life should a fire break out.

The business pleaded guilty to ten offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, including failing to comply with restrictions set out in a Prohibition Notice.

Sentencing

The court ordered the company to pay a total of £62,000, broken down as follows:

• £18,000 for the initial failures
• £24,000 for breaching the Prohibition Notice
• £18,000 in costs
• £2,000 victim surcharge

Kent Fire and Rescue Service response

Daniel Noonan, head of building safety at KFRS, commented:

“Public safety is our highest priority. This sentencing serves as a clear reminder to all businesses in the Kent and Medway region about the importance of complying with fire safety legislation.”

He added:

“Fire safety is a shared responsibility. We’re committed to supporting businesses to ensure the safety of the public by offering advice and guidance. However, where lives are put at risk and there’s a failure in meeting fire safety obligations, we will pursue legal action when necessary.”

Offences in detail

The ten offences included:

• Failure to assess fire risks (Article 9(1)) – No suitable fire risk assessment, leaving people exposed to serious risk.
• Failure to manage fire precautions (Article 11(1)) – No arrangements for planning, organising, or reviewing fire safety measures.
• Lack of fire detection and alarms (Article 13(1)(a)) – No automatic fire detectors or alarms provided.
• Blocked escape routes (Article 14(1)(a)) – Combustible materials obstructed the only staircase, hindering escape.
• Defective fire doors (Article 17(1)) – Faulty fire doors risked smoke and flames spreading into escape routes.
• Compromised escape route (Article 8(1)(a)) – A breach in staircase compartmentation would allow fire and smoke to spread.
• Basement fire risks (Article 8(1)) – Compartmentation breaches in a basement storing stock and electricals risked rapid fire spread.
• Inadequate emergency lighting (Article 14(2)(h)) – Emergency lighting only covered parts of the premises, leaving some escape routes unlit.
• Breach of Prohibition Notice (Article 31) – The first floor was used in contravention of a Prohibition Notice.
• Use of bedroom in prohibited area (Article 3) – A first-floor bedroom was being used for sleeping, against restrictions.

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