FIA | Kent-based Miller Food and Wine Limited has been fined £62,000 after inspectors uncovered serious fire safety breaches, including blocked escape routes and a breach of a Prohibition Notice.
The case arose from a Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) inspection in March 2022, which uncovered significant fire safety issues. Officers identified missing fire precautions and breaches in the building’s compartmentation – problems that posed a serious risk to life should a fire break out.
The business pleaded guilty to ten offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, including failing to comply with restrictions set out in a Prohibition Notice.
The court ordered the company to pay a total of £62,000, broken down as follows:
• £18,000 for the initial failures.
• £24,000 for breaching the Prohibition Notice.
• £18,000 in costs.
• £2,000 victim surcharge.
The ten offences included:
• Failure to assess fire risks (Article 9(1)) – no suitable fire risk assessment, leaving people exposed to serious risk.
• Failure to manage fire precautions (Article 11(1)) – no arrangements for planning, organising, or reviewing fire safety measures.
• Lack of fire detection and alarms (Article 13(1)(a)) – no automatic fire detectors or alarms provided.
• Blocked escape routes (Article 14(1)(a)) – combustible materials obstructed the only staircase, hindering escape.
• Defective fire doors (Article 17(1)) – faulty fire doors risked smoke and flames spreading into escape routes.
• Compromised escape route (Article 8(1)(a)) – a breach in staircase compartmentation would allow fire and smoke to spread.
• Basement fire risks (Article 8(1)) – compartmentation breaches in a basement storing stock and electricals risked rapid fire spread.
• Inadequate emergency lighting (Article 14(2)(h)) – Emergency lighting only covered parts of the premises, leaving some escape routes unlit.
• Breach of Prohibition Notice (Article 31) – the first floor was used in contravention of a Prohibition Notice.
• Use of bedroom in prohibited area (Article 3) – a first-floor bedroom was being used for sleeping, against restrictions.
Daniel Noonan, head of building safety at KFRS, commented: “Public safety is our highest priority. This sentencing serves as a clear reminder to all businesses in the Kent and Medway region about the importance of complying with fire safety legislation.
“Fire safety is a shared responsibility. We’re committed to supporting businesses to ensure the safety of the public by offering advice and guidance. However, where lives are put at risk and there’s a failure in meeting fire safety obligations, we will pursue legal action when necessary.”
