Northampton restaurant owner fined after breaching Fire Safety Legislation

A Northampton restaurant has been fined for putting lives at risk by breaching fire safety regulations.

The Protection team at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service acted on intelligence that the Mewar Haveli restaurant, based on Wellingborough Road, was using the loft space at the premises to house several of its employees.

A Fire Protection Officer inspected the premises and found evidence of that practice, as well as other deficiencies. This included no fire detection system having been installed and inadequate escape and access routes (a loft hatch and vertical ladder for access and egress) – raising the risk that occupants would not be warned if a fire started and could end up trapped in the building.

The restaurant was served with a prohibition notice by the Fire Service in April 2023 which prohibited people from sleeping on the premises. The Service also took the decision that the breaches of fire safety legislation offences were so severe that they warranted prosecution.

The owner, Suraj Pathak, was charged with breaching the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and pleaded guilty to the charge at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (October 29).

At the sentencing of Mr Pathak, a community order was issued for 200 hours of unpaid work to be completed within 12 months, and he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114 and costs of £750.

Following the hearing, Scott Richards, Head of Protection at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our Fire Protection Officers acted quickly when they received information that safety was being compromised at these premises.

“Our primary aim is to protect people, and where possible we will work with restaurants and other businesses to make sure they meet the standards required to keep both their staff and customers safe.

“On this occasion however, the breaches were so severe that we were left with no option but to prosecute and send a strong message to the owner that it is unacceptable to put lives at risk.

“We are happy that the Magistrates’ Court recognised that risk and sentenced the owner accordingly, and it serves as a reminder to all businesses that fire safety is incredibly important and that there will be consequences for not complying with it.”

Businesses can contact the Protection Team at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service for specialist advice. To receive a bespoke safety approach, you can call 01604 797 000 or email fireprotection@northantsfire.gov.uk

There is also a suite of safety tips and advice for businesses and responsible persons at www.northantsfire.gov.uk/information-for-business-owners/