B&B fined after enforcement order breaches

A bed and breakfast owner has been fined £3415 and ordered to pay costs of £4900 after failing to comply with two enforcement notices.

Michael Scott-Hake of the Edwardian in Heavitree Road, Exeter was prosecuted as the responsible person by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority at Exeter Magistrates Court on 16 October. The enforcement orders related to sub-standard fire doors and inadequate smoke detection in some areas.

Group commander James Holgate of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our fire safety officers work closely with businesses to help them comply with the Fire Safety Order but, where their responsibilities are not taken seriously, the Service will always consider prosecution. I would like to advise business owners that fire safety is a legitimate overhead that needs taking into account.”