Prestleigh Inn B&B Limited was sentenced at Taunton Magistrates' Court on 16 July after admitting four offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The company was also ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and prosecution costs of £5,700.

The prosecution was brought forward by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service following concerns raised by a guest who stayed at the five-bedroom property. A subsequent inspection in May 2024 identified a number of significant fire safety failings.

Inspectors found that no suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment had been carried out and that the fire alarm system was inoperative, with nine recorded faults. They also identified a lack of routine maintenance of the fire alarm system, emergency lighting and firefighting equipment, while several fire doors were found to be defective.

Due to the seriousness of the deficiencies, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service served two prohibition notices preventing the premises from being used for sleeping accommodation until the necessary remedial work had been completed.

Prestleigh Inn B&B Limited pleaded guilty to offences under Articles 9, 13, 14 and 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. These related to failing to carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, failing to provide appropriate fire detection and alarm systems, failing to ensure adequate means of escape due to defective fire doors and emergency lighting, and failing to maintain fire safety measures.

The company was fined £16,000 for the Article 9 offence and £10,000 for the Article 13 offence. No separate penalties were imposed for the offences under Articles 14 and 17.

Appropriate measures

Fire safety manager Darren Bridges from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, whose team investigated the offences, stated: “I hope this case serves as a reminder to anyone managing guest accommodation that they must take fire safety seriously. Failure to do so not only endangers occupants, but can also result in prosecution. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of carrying out a thorough fire risk assessment and having appropriate fire safety measures in place.”

Counsel Jack Barry said the company accepted that its lack of knowledge was not a defence. Since the offences came to light, the company’s director has undertaken an Institution of Occupational Safety and Health risk management course and is fully confident that the business will not appear in court again.

*Further information is available online at www.dsfire.gov.uk

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