Handing down the penalty, Kirklees Magistrates described the company as having “a total, blatant disregard for the safety of both members of the public and their own employees” and acting with a “breach of duty and a breach of trust”.
Inspectors from WYFRS visited the premises, on Zetland Street in the town centre, several times and found repeated breaches, including no automatic fire detection in the kitchen, blocked fire exits and no fire separation between the open kitchen (which included multiple deep fat fryers) and the bar.
Senior Fire Protection Manager at WYFRS Chris Kemp said, “I’m pleased to see such a significant fine, the biggest in any prosecution by us as a service handed down in response to a failure to comply with an enforcement notice.
“Our staff have worked tirelessly to bring about justice and prosecute for these breaches, protecting the lives of the public of West Yorkshire, we have also tried to work with the limited company to resolve the issues, to no avail.
“This outcome sends a clear message; there are real consequences for neglecting fire protection responsibilities. It’s a reminder that safety must never be compromised for convenience or cost-cutting. I hope this sets a precedent and encourages others to take their obligations seriously, when we as a regulator have to step in and serve an enforcement notice, it is imperative that business owners work with us to ensure they comply with the requirements of that notice”.
The Magistrates ordered Hellfire Entertainment LTD. to pay £17,280.00 of costs incurred by WYFRS. Hellfire Entertainment Ltd have recently submitted an appeal.