A business manager responsible for overseeing a car wash and cafe operation has been ordered to pay more than £26,000 following his admission of multiple fire safety violations.
Artan Hyseni, 51, from Fordwich Road in Welwyn Garden City, was in charge of the facility at 398 Reading Road, Winnersh, when Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service conducted a safety inspection in 2023.
The inspection revealed three critical fire safety failures at the premises.
Investigators discovered the property lacked essential fire detection systems and firefighting equipment.
Additionally, the building had insufficient emergency exit routes, potentially putting occupants at risk during a fire emergency.
Following his court appearance at Reading Magistrates’ Court in February, where Hyseni pleaded guilty to the safety breaches, he was sentenced on 26 March to pay £26,441.35 in penalties.
Rachel Bloomfield, prevention and protection change and improvement manager for the fire service, emphasized the significance of the prosecution: “This successful prosecution demonstrates to businesses that we will act where necessary to protect the public should they not take their commitments to fire safety seriously.”
The case serves as a warning to other business operators about the importance of maintaining proper fire safety standards and the potential financial consequences of non-compliance.
Legal Requirements for Business Fire Safety
Under UK law, all business premises must comply with comprehensive fire safety regulations.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a legal duty on the “responsible person” – typically the employer, owner, or occupier – to ensure adequate fire safety measures are in place.
This legislation requires businesses to:
- Conduct regular fire risk assessments to identify potential hazards
- Install appropriate fire detection systems, including smoke alarms and fire detection equipment
- Provide adequate firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and emergency lighting
- Ensure clear and unobstructed escape routes are maintained at all times
- Train staff in fire safety procedures and emergency evacuation protocols
The Fire Safety Act 2021 further strengthened these requirements, particularly for buildings with multiple occupancies, whilst the Building Safety Act 2022 introduced additional obligations for higher-risk residential buildings.
Local fire and rescue authorities have the power to inspect premises, issue enforcement notices, and prosecute businesses that fail to meet their obligations.
Penalties can include unlimited fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment for responsible persons who wilfully neglect their duties.
Business owners who are unsure about their fire safety obligations can seek guidance from their local fire and rescue service or consult certified fire safety professionals to ensure full compliance with current regulations.
