Prestleigh Inn B&B Limited, a guest house near Shepton Mallet, has been fined a total of £26,000 for multiple fire safety violations following an inspection prompted by a guest’s concerns.
The case was heard on July 16 at Taunton Magistrates Court after Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service initiated an investigation. Alongside the £26,000 fine, the company was ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and £5,700 in court costs.
The issues surfaced when a guest reported safety concerns during their stay at the five-bedroom guest house. This report triggered a fire safety inspection in May 2025, revealing extensive safety failures. Inspectors found no fire risk assessment had been conducted, the fire alarm system was malfunctioning with nine faults, and there was a lack of scheduled maintenance on fire alarms, emergency lighting, and firefighting equipment. Moreover, several fire doors were defective, undermining the building’s ability to contain fire and smoke.
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Due to the severity of these defects, inspectors issued two legal notices forbidding guests from sleeping on the premises until necessary remedial work was completed.
Prestleigh Inn B&B Limited pleaded guilty to four offences under the Fire Safety Order 2005:
- Article 9: Failure to carry out a proper fire risk assessment.
- Article 13: Failure to ensure the premises were equipped with operating fire detectors and alarms.
- Article 14: Failure to provide adequate escape routes due to defective fire doors and emergency lighting.
- Article 17: Failure to maintain and repair fire safety systems adequately.
The company was fined £16,000 for the Article 9 breach and £10,000 for the Article 13 breach; no separate penalties were issued for Articles 14 and 17.
Fire Safety Manager Darren Bridges emphasized the importance of stringent fire safety measures: “This case highlights the critical need for all accommodation providers to take fire safety seriously. Ignoring these responsibilities risks lives and legal consequences. Conducting fire risk assessments and maintaining safety equipment are essential.”
Jack Barry, counsel for the company, acknowledged that ignorance of the law was not a valid defence. Since the case, the company director has completed an IOSH risk management course and is committed to preventing any future breaches.