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Pub fined £120,000 for breaching fire safety regulations
A small chimney fire has led to big consequences for a pub on Cotham Hill.
Brewhouse & Kitchen has been fined £120,000 plus £12,000 in costs after pleading guilty to four breaches of fire safety law.
Bristol Crown Court heard that after the fire brigade were called to a small chimney fire at the pub in 2018, they discovered a number of serious issues in areas not used by the public.
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Representatives of Brewhouse & Kitchen pleaded guilty to four breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005:
- failure to take general fire precautions
- failure to ensure adequate fire safety arrangements
- failure to ensure adequate fire detection and firefighting equipment
- failure to ensure adequate emergency escape routes and exits
Avon Fire & Rescue head of fire safety, Karl Venn, said: “All businesses are required to comply with fire safety legislation and while prosecution is considered a last resort, we first and foremost have a duty to keep our communities safe and ensure residents aren’t put at risk.
“Although Brewhouse & Kitchen had a previous good record of fire safety, the substantial fine handed out by the judge in this case should serve as a warning to any business as to how seriously breaches of fire safety law are taken.”
Bristol Brewhouse & Kitchen opened on Cotham Hill in 2015 – photo: Bristol Brewhouse & Kitchen
In a statement, Brewhouse & Kitchen said: “Brewhouse & Kitchen prides itself on being a well-run and conscientious company and we take fire safety seriously. During the autumn of 2018, our Bristol venue had a small chimney fire; the event was dealt with quickly, no persons were hurt or injured and the team responded correctly in accordance with their training.
“Avon & Somerset Fire Service attended the incident and once the fire was extinguished and the area made safe, the business was able to continue to operate. Subsequent to this incident, it was made clear to the company that certain important actions related to a Fire Risk Assessment in 2016 had not been dealt with correctly in relation to the upper floor non trading areas.
“Since that period there has been a wholesale change of the company’s operations team, new systems and processes are now in place, and the company has taken significant learning from this matter. Brewhouse & Kitchen has an excellent record to date on all matters of fire safety, licensing, health and safety and food hygiene.
“The mistakes that were found in this case have already driven senior management focus and substantial, positive changes as to how the company manages fire safety. However, on this occasion the company recognises it could have done better and fully accepts its responsibility in this matter.”
Main photo: Doug Jewell
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