Fire Risk Assessment Failures Lead to Costly Fine for Takeaway
Date: 2 June 2025
Location: Nottingham Crown Court
Source : Westbridgfordwire.comA Worksop takeaway operator has been ordered to pay £25,000 after pleading guilty to six breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Mr Ahmet Mulk, 48, of Langold Express Ltd (Doncaster Road, Worksop), admitted the offences during a hearing at Nottingham Crown Court.
The total penalty includes a £20,000 fine and £5,000 in prosecution costs. The company’s fire safety failures included:
Continuing to operate despite a prohibition notice
Lack of adequate fire detection and warning systems
Failure to maintain clear and safe escape routes
During an inspection by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service in November 2022, no automatic fire detection system was present, no fire risk assessment had been carried out, and staff had not received any fire safety training. His Honour Judge Egbuna stressed that had a fire occurred, staff, the owner, and neighbouring businesses would have been in grave danger.
Although Mr Mulk eventually complied with the authorities after several months of guidance, the judge emphasised that “nobody should ever wait for tragedy to happen before they change”
Fire Protection Station Manager Tom Clark highlighted the broader implications: ensuring public and business safety is a shared responsibility. He confirmed that while compliance was gained through persistent efforts and repeated visits, the enforcement action sends a clear message: failing to meet fire safety obligations risks severe financial consequences and legal accountability .
Key Takeaways for Business Owners
| Issue | Risk | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| No fire detection | Lives at risk | Install and maintain smoke alarms and fire detection systems |
| Lack of staff training | Improper emergency response | Provide regular fire safety training and drills |
| No risk assessment | Unidentified hazards | Conduct and document comprehensive fire risk assessments |
| Ignoring enforcement | Legal and reputational damage | Act immediately on fire authority directives |
Fire Safety is Not Optional
This case serves as a stark reminder that fire safety breaches are not just a matter of fines and legal penalties – they put lives in danger.
As a business owner, you have a legal and moral duty to protect your staff, customers, and the public. Delaying action could cost far more than money — it could cost lives.
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