The Swan Brasserie Limited, based in West Malling, Kent, has been fined £30,000 following serious breaches of fire safety regulations. The sentencing took place at Medway Magistrates’ Court and includes an additional £16,215.03 in costs and a £190 victim surcharge.

The prosecution stemmed from an inspection by building safety inspectors from the Kent Fire and Rescue Service in December 2021, which uncovered multiple serious shortcomings in the company’s fire safety protocols. The issues centred on a rear garden building at the premises located at 35 Swan Street, leading to the business pleading guilty to five charges under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 on 10 July 2024.

Among the failures were the absence of a fire alarm or detection system, no sufficient fire risk assessment, and inadequate emergency lighting and evacuation routes. In particular, the sole escape route from the upper floor involved navigating through several rooms, making evacuation near impossible in a fire.

Suzanna Amberski, customer and building safety/area manager at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, stated:

“We hope the sentence issued in this case will serve as a reminder to other businesses across the Kent and Medway region to consistently adhere to fire safety regulations in order to avoid prosecution and, most importantly, to keep everyone safe.”

She added:
“If you oversee a business, you are legally obligated to ensure the safety of everyone who works at or visits the premises. This responsibility applies to all without exception.”

“We are always ready to provide support and advice to any business in need. However, if businesses fail to comply with fire safety regulations and endanger lives, we will take legal action when and where necessary.”

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