Why you can’t afford to ignore fire regulations — even in a “small business”
Think fire safety is just red tape? Think again. Across Oxfordshire, business owners, landlords, and employers are facing court action, heavy fines, and in some cases, forced closure for failing to comply with basic fire safety laws.
From pubs and hotels to factories and equestrian yards, enforcement teams from Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service are stepping up inspections—and they’re not pulling any punches.
In every case you’ll read below, the outcome could have been avoided with a fire risk assessment and the right precautions in place.
So if you’re responsible for a commercial or residential building—even a home-run business or a premises with just a few staff—you need to make sure your fire safety is up to scratch.
Here are 7 real prosecutions in Oxfordshire that show exactly what can go wrong when it isn’t.
1. Bicester Equestrian Yard Prosecution – Bicester, Oxfordshire
In 2020, a blaze at a Bicester equestrian yard prompted Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service to investigate. What they uncovered was deeply concerning.
Staff were being housed in upstairs accommodation with no fire risk assessment, no smoke alarms, and no safe means of escape.
In short, lives were being risked nightly without basic precautions in place. A Prohibition Notice was issued, legally banning the premises from being used for sleeping.
But a follow-up inspection in December 2022 found people were still living there.
At Oxford Magistrates’ Court in January 2024, owner Isabelle Taylor was prosecuted under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
She pleaded guilty to four offences, receiving a £5,000 fine for the most serious breach and £4,969.50 in costs. The other charges were conditionally discharged.
Oxfordshire County Council issued a strong warning: “If you house people, their fire safety must be your priority. No exceptions.”
➡️ Read more
2. Banbury Industrial Premises – Banbury, Oxfordshire
In 2016, fire safety officers from Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service inspected an industrial premises in Banbury that welcomed members of the public.
Despite being a busy working environment, the business had no formal fire risk assessment, a direct breach of Article 9 of the Fire Safety Order.
This meant there was no documented process to identify fire hazards or demonstrate how the company would protect staff or visitors if a fire occurred.
The case was brought before Banbury Magistrates’ Court, where the company admitted its failings and was fined £6,000, plus £3,000 in legal costs and a £200 victim surcharge.
Oxfordshire FRS issued a reminder that public-facing premises — whether retail, industrial, or hospitality — must carry out a fire risk assessment and act on its findings.
This case shows how even well-run businesses can face costly penalties simply by neglecting documentation.
➡️ Read the official statement
3. The Swan Inn – Banbury, Oxfordshire
The owners of The Swan Inn in Banbury found themselves in court in 2015 after Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service identified serious breaches that placed guests in danger.
The pub had begun using upstairs bedrooms for paying guests, yet had no fire alarms, no escape route signage, and no fire risk assessment.
First-floor escape routes were partially blocked, and fire doors were in poor condition.
In November 2015, the case was heard at Oxford Magistrates’ Court. The company, Swan Pub Banbury Ltd, and director Alan O’Donovan pleaded guilty to breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The court imposed a £6,000 fine, £3,000 in costs, and a £200 surcharge.
OFRS warned that when businesses adapt or repurpose buildings — especially for accommodation — they must reassess their fire risk and ensure compliance.
➡️ Read more
4. Roknor House Hotel Prosecution – Abingdon, Oxfordshire
In March 2021, Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service (OFRS) carried out an unannounced inspection at Roknor House, a hotel above a takeaway on Bath Street.
Officers discovered alarming fire safety breaches: non-functioning fire alarms and emergency lighting, no fire-resistant compartmentation separating sleeping quarters from the commercial kitchen below, and no documented fire risk assessment—all in clear violation of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, particularly Articles 9, 13, and 14.
OFRS issued a Prohibition Notice, banning overnight stays until compliant.
In August 2023, owner Chuhar Singh pleaded guilty to six offences.
Oxford Magistrates’ Court levied a £20,000 fine and £3,000+ in legal costs, emphasizing that guest safety must never be compromised.
➡️ Source & court summary
Action Points:
- Install and maintain fire alarm and emergency lighting systems
- Reinforce compartmentation between commercial and residential areas
- Complete and act on a thorough fire risk assessment
5. Wallingford Tandoori Restaurant – Wallingford, Oxfordshire
In early 2021, Oxfordshire FRS visited a busy tandoori restaurant and takeaway in Wallingford after routine community safety checks.
Key failings included no fire risk assessment, absent or non-compliant alarms, blocked or cluttered escape routes, and no emergency lighting—a violation of multiple Fire Safety Order Articles.
A Prohibition Notice was swiftly issued to restrict public access until the issues were addressed.
In 2022, the restaurant pleaded guilty at Oxford Magistrates’ Court and received a £4,000 fine plus £2,500+ in costs, with warnings issued about the potential for serious injury in a fire.
➡️ OCC news release
Action Points:
- Ensure all escape routes are clear and well-lit at all times
- Install compliant alarm systems and maintain them regularly
- Undergo and act upon a certified fire risk assessment
6. Former Didcot Takeaway Owner – Didcot, Oxfordshire
In April 2017, Oxfordshire FRS prosecuted the owner of a former Didcot takeaway following routine inspections that uncovered occupied living space without proper fire risk assessment, no working alarms, and unsafe escape routes.
The building—formerly commercial premises—had been partly converted to residential use without compliance checks.
The owner pleaded guilty to breaches under Article 9 (risk assessments) and Article 14 (escape routes), resulting in a £3,000 fine, £2,000 in costs, and a £150 victim surcharge.
The court stressed that adapting premises for living means reassessing fire risks and acting upon them swiftly.
➡️ OFRS news summary
Action Points:
- Complete a new fire risk assessment when changing property use
- Fit alarms and ensure escape routes comply with safety regulations
- Keep records to demonstrate compliance with fire safety laws
7. The Raj Restaurant – Witney, Oxfordshire
In early 2015, Oxfordshire FRS inspected The Raj, a popular restaurant on Witney High Street.
They found blocked escape routes, including gas cylinders obstructing fire escape doors, no fire risk assessment, disabled safety devices on cooking equipment, and unauthorised use of upstairs residential space.
OFRS issued a Prohibition Notice, closing the premises to sleeping occupants pending compliance.
At Oxford Magistrates’ Court, the owner pleaded guilty to three breaches of the Fire Safety Order, receiving a £1,200+ fine and a £200 surcharge.
A senior fire officer commented: “Businesses must treat fire safety as seriously as they do food hygiene.”
➡️ TutorCare summary
Action Points:
- Keep escape routes clear at all times
- Conduct a formal fire risk assessment
- Ensure cooking equipment safety devices remain enabled
What These Cases Teach Us
These ten prosecutions aren’t one-offs — they’re part of a clear and growing trend across Oxfordshire. Whether it’s a small takeaway with a flat upstairs, a guesthouse, or an industrial unit, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies. And failing to comply doesn’t just risk fines or closure — it puts real people’s lives in danger.
The fire safety breaches in these cases were often avoidable. A written fire risk assessment, properly installed alarms, clear escape routes, and staff training would have made all the difference — and would have kept these businesses out of court.
The cost of non-compliance? Tens of thousands of pounds, lasting reputational damage, and in some cases, a total loss of livelihood.
✅ Don’t Let Your Business Be Next
If you’re not 100% sure your fire safety is compliant, now’s the time to act.
🔥 Get a professional Fire Risk Assessment
🚪 Check your escape routes and emergency lighting
📋 Review your safety documentation
🧯 Maintain alarms, extinguishers, and equipment
👷♂️ Train your team on what to do in an emergency
📞 Ready to Protect Your Business?
Let us help you stay safe — and legal.
