Fire safety is not optional. A recent prosecution of The Swan Brasserie Limited in West Malling, Kent, is a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting essential fire safety regulations – and why businesses across Kent, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire must take compliance seriously.
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we specialise in helping businesses across the South East stay compliant, safe, and protected from costly legal action. Here’s what happened – and how you can avoid making the same mistakes.
£46,000 in Penalties for Fire Safety Breaches
In May 2025, The Swan Brasserie Limited was sentenced at Medway Magistrates’ Court for five serious breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The offences related to a rear garden building at the premises on Swan Street, West Malling.
The company was fined £30,000, ordered to pay costs of £16,215.03, and handed a £190 victim surcharge, totalling over £46,000.
What Went Wrong?
A site inspection by Kent Fire and Rescue Service in December 2021 uncovered serious failings that put both staff and customers at risk. These included:
- No fire detection or warning system
- No sufficient fire risk assessment
- Blocked and hazardous escape routes
- No emergency lighting
- A complex and unsafe escape route from upper floors
Each of these breaches could have had devastating consequences in the event of a fire.
A Warning for All Local Businesses
Suzanna Amberski, Area Manager at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, stated:
“This case should serve as a reminder to businesses across the Kent and Medway region to adhere to fire safety regulations consistently in order to avoid prosecution – and most importantly, to keep everyone safe.”
That message applies equally to businesses in Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire. If you own, manage, or lease commercial premises, you are legally responsible for fire safety – and ignorance is not a defence.
How ESI Helps You Stay Compliant
At ESI, we work with businesses of all sizes across the South East to ensure full compliance with fire safety and electrical safety regulations. We offer:
- ✅ Fire Risk Assessments (legal requirement under the Fire Safety Order)
- ✅ Emergency Lighting Testing & Certification
- ✅ Fire Alarm System Installation & Testing
- ✅ Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)
- ✅ Ongoing Safety Audits and Maintenance Support
We’re here to help you avoid fines, stay compliant, and most importantly – protect lives.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Cases like The Swan Brasserie are becoming more common – and enforcement is increasing. Take proactive steps now.
👉 Book a Fire Safety Audit with ESI today at www.electricalsafetyinspections.co.uk
👉 Or learn more about how we help businesses across Surrey, Hampshire, Kent, and Berkshire stay compliant: Our Services
Protect your people. Protect your reputation. Let’s raise safety standards together.
Contact ESI for a no-obligation consultation today.
