Nightclub bosses fined for fire safety breaches

From info4fire:

23rd September 2011

Two nightclub bosses have been fined after breaching fire safety legislation.

Kevin Clarke and Stephen Bailey both appeared before Bury magistrates on 7 September to face charges under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 relating to Coco Lounge, Temptations and Cooler Bar, in the town.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service took legal action following an inspection of the three premises.

Mr Clarke was fined £2,700 plus £1,906 court costs after pleading guilty to seven offences, including not having a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and failing to provide adequate fire safety training for employees.

Mr Bailey was fined £550 plus £100 court costs after admitting three offences relating to a lack of suitable and sufficient fire risk assessments.

Peter O'Reilly, director of prevention and protection at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We always support businesses that work to make their premises safe for people to use. However we will take action against those businesses that neglect fire safety and in doing so put the lives of staff and public at risk.

“We hope this court case sends a clear message that fire safety must be taken seriously.”

All too often, Premises owners/Duty Holders try to get FRA's done cheaply or have a go themselves. This is a lesson to all. Get Professionals to carry out Fire Risk Assessments for the Safety of your Clients and keeping compliant with Fire Safety Legislation by having a "suitable & sufficient" FRA carried out.