A business owner has been successfully prosecuted by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service following significant breaches of fire safety legislation at a takeaway premises in Truro.

Sinjar Zurel, sole director of Ashford 23 Ltd, which operates the Central Grill takeaway at 9 Calenick Street, Moresk, was found to have failed to comply with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

During a fire safety audit, inspecting officers identified multiple serious deficiencies within both the commercial premises and the associated first-floor accommodation, which was in use as sleeping quarters at the time. These failings placed occupants at a heightened risk of death or serious injury in the event of a fire.

At Truro Crown Court, Zurel, aged 26, pleaded guilty to five offences:

• Failing to carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment by February 2024
• Failing to provide appropriate firefighting equipment, fire detection systems and alarm provision
• Two counts of failing to maintain safe and effective means of escape
• Failing to comply with the requirements of an Enforcement Notice issued by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service

On 18 March, Zurel was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. The sentence was reduced from 20 months in recognition of early guilty pleas.

In addition, he was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, pay £4,800 in costs at a rate of £200 per month, and a victim surcharge of £154.

Unacceptable risk

The appointed spokesperson for the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said: “Fire safety laws exist to protect lives. The failings identified at Central Grill created a wholly unacceptable risk of death or serious injury for those residing above the premises. Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service will always take enforcement action where serious breaches are identified.”

The spokesperson continued: “We welcome the sentence. This prosecution demonstrates that, while we strive to work collaboratively with business owners to uphold fire safety standards, our overriding priority is the safety of our communities. Prosecution remains a last resort, but when serious risks to public safety are discovered, we will not hesitate to act.”

In the aftermath of this case, the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is now urging all business owners and ‘Responsible Persons’ to regularly review their fire safety arrangements and ensure that fire risk assessments are undertaken, kept up-to-date and always remain suitable and sufficient.

This case highlights the critical importance of compliance with fire safety legislation, particularly where premises include sleeping accommodation, and reinforces the responsibility of duty holders to ensure the safety of all occupants.

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