A Nottinghamshire landlord who ignored warnings over his pub’s safety record before a fire trapped two staff members has been given a suspended jail sentence.
Justin Chad, of The Lord Nelson pub in Gainsborough Road, Winthorpe and Riverside Management Newark Ltd, both admitted to five counts of failing to meet and protect employees against fires.
In April 2014 a blaze at the pub left two staff members stranded who had to be rescued by fire fighters from the second floor.
They were trapped because the escape route was inaccessible – a fault which had been picked up on during fire safety visit just few months before.
Station Manager Tom Clark, of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Protection Team, said: “This is the second case in the last six months where a Fire Risk Assessment has highlighted deficiencies in fire safety, yet the business owner has failed to act on the recommendations.”
potential for death or serious injury
The pub was first visited by Nottinghamshire fire protection officers earlier in 2014, where it was found that the pub didn’t meet the standards and didn’t provide a safe escape route for employees to use in case of an emergency.
Station manager Clark, added: “Given the seriousness of these offences and the potential for death or serious injury, combined with the failure to act on advice contained in fire risk assessments, the service was left with no choice but to bring this prosecution.”
Mr Chad pleaded guilty at Nottingham Crown Court, where he was sentenced to a total of 27 months of imprisonment, which was suspended.
He was also fined more than £15,000 for prosecution costs and has to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
Riverside Management Ltd was also sentenced to fines adding up to a total of £5,000.
Judge Stokes, said:”It is absolutely necessary that those responsible for sleeping premises take full notice of their obligations and fire safety regulations.”
For more information about regulations on all premises you can visit the fire safety website or for non domestic premisses you can ring 0115 957 5200.
