The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 makes it a requirement to have a Fire Risk Assessment carried out in Places of Public Entertainment & Assembly. Failure to do so can mean fines of up to £20,000 and six months imprisonment.

24 homeless as fire destroys The George Bar and flats in Paisley

Firefighters were called to the blaze in Paisley in the early hours of Sunday

An investigation has been launched into a major blaze that destroyed a pub and flats in Paisley on Sunday, leaving 24 people homeless.

Firefighters were called to The George bar in Causeyside Street at about 03:30, after an "extensive" fire broke out in the building, including flats.

At the height of the fire, seven appliances from Paisley, Renfrew and Polmadie were in attendance.

There were no reports of injuries in the incident.

But the flats above are said to have been seriously damaged.

Emergency crews were at the scene of the fire well into Sunday

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service teams wearing breathing apparatus fought the blaze inside the building, while crews tackled the fire from the outside using large main water jets.

Area Commander George McGrandles praised the firefighters, saying their actions prevented the fire from spreading and damaging adjoining properties.

Residents have been evacuated and Renfrewshire Council said the majority have been found temporary accommodation, with two families making their own arrangements.

On its website, the local authority said: "A fire has seriously damaged flats above The George public house on the corner of Causeyside Street and George Street leaving 24 people homeless and leading to road closures in the area.

"Building standards officers from the council and surveyors from the owner's insurance company will be assessing the damage and will decide if the building needs to be demolished."

Mark Macmillan, leader of the council, said: "We are all thankful that everyone is safe and well following this major blaze.

"The council has an important role in incidents like this, from providing accommodation for people who have lost their homes to organising road closures and ensuring damaged buildings are made safe.

"Council employees have been working through the night, alongside their colleagues from the 'blue light' services, to ensure that everyone affected by the fire has somewhere to stay and that life in Paisley town centre can get back to normal as quickly as possible.

"Housing officers will offer support, advice and assistance to those who have lost their homes, helping with their medium to longer term housing needs.

"Building standards will keep working to ensure the area is safe for the public, our town centre team will liaise with local businesses affected by the blaze and our roads service will do all it can to minimise disruption to traffic."

The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 makes it a requirement to have a Fire Risk Assessment carried out in Places of  Public Entertainment & Assembly. Failure to do so can mean fnes of up to £20,000 and six months imprisonment.