Kent shop’s fire safety failures left escape routes blocked and alarms missing
Iain Hoey
Share this content
Maidstone company sentenced after inspection findings
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) has reported that Miller Food and Wine Limited, based in Maidstone, has been fined for multiple fire safety failures.
According to KFRS, the company pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 3 September 2025 to ten offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The prosecution followed an inspection carried out by KFRS officers in March 2022, which identified breaches including a lack of fire detection systems and compromised escape routes.
KFRS explained that the court imposed financial penalties totalling £62,000. This included £18,000 for initial failures, £24,000 for breaching a Prohibition Notice, £18,000 in costs, and a £2,000 victim surcharge.
The service said the issues posed a serious risk to life for both employees and customers in the event of a fire.
Details of fire safety offences
KFRS reported that the offences included a failure to carry out suitable and sufficient fire risk assessments under Article 9(1) of the Fire Safety Order.
The organisation added that no effective arrangements were in place for planning, organising, or reviewing fire safety precautions, breaching Article 11(1).
It stated that fire detection and alarm systems required under Article 13(1)(a) were not provided.
The service also said combustible materials were obstructing the only staircase, contravening Article 14(1)(a) by blocking escape routes.
KFRS further explained that defective fire doors and breaches in compartmentation meant fire and smoke could spread into escape routes.
Failures in building safety measures
The service advised that compartmentation in the basement, where electrical equipment and stock were stored, was inadequate, creating conditions for fire to spread rapidly.
KFRS noted that emergency lighting was missing in parts of the building, meaning escape routes would not have been visible during a power failure.
It confirmed that escape routes were compromised by breaches in compartmentation on the staircase, affecting the safety of building occupants.
The service added that these failures meant people were exposed to serious risks in the event of a fire.
Breach of prohibition notices
KFRS stated that the company also breached restrictions placed on the use of the building under Article 31.
It reported that the first floor, which had been restricted by a Prohibition Notice, was in use.
The service said that a bedroom on the first floor was used for sleeping, which breached the Prohibition Notice conditions.
According to KFRS, these contraventions further increased the risks to life already posed by the lack of fire safety precautions.
Court ruling and sentencing outcome
The court imposed fines of £18,000 for initial fire safety failures and £24,000 for breaches of a Prohibition Notice.
KFRS confirmed that additional costs of £18,000 were awarded and a £2,000 victim surcharge was added.
It said the final total ordered by the court amounted to £62,000.
KFRS explained that the sentencing was intended to highlight the consequences of failing to comply with legal fire safety obligations.
The organisation said the ruling reinforced the importance of businesses meeting their responsibilities under the Fire Safety Order.
KFRS statement on public safety
Daniel Noonan, Head of Building Safety at KFRS, said: “Public safety is our highest priority, and today’s sentencing serves as a clear reminder to all businesses in Kent and Medway about the importance of complying with fire safety legislation.
“Fire safety is a shared responsibility, and we are committed to supporting businesses to ensure the safety of the public by offering advice and guidance.
“However, where lives are put at risk and there is a failure in meeting fire safety obligations, we will pursue legal action when necessary.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This case demonstrates how failures to maintain fire detection, alarms, compartmentation, and escape routes can lead to enforcement action and financial penalties.
It highlights the importance of compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, particularly Articles 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 17, and 31.
For professionals, the prosecution shows the necessity of thorough risk assessments, functioning fire doors, clear escape routes, and working emergency lighting.
The ruling confirms that breaches of Prohibition Notices are treated seriously by the courts and carry further penalties.
Kent business fined for fire safety failures: Summary
Kent Fire and Rescue Service prosecuted Miller Food and Wine Limited for fire safety failures.
The company is based on Lower Stone Street, Maidstone.
An inspection in March 2022 found multiple safety breaches.
Offences included blocked escape routes and no fire alarms.
The business pleaded guilty to ten offences.
The case was heard at Medway Magistrates’ Court.
The court imposed a fine of £18,000 for initial failures.
A further £24,000 was fined for breaching a Prohibition Notice.
The business was also ordered to pay £18,000 in costs.
A victim surcharge of £2,000 was added.
The total penalty amounted to £62,000.
Daniel Noonan, Head of Building Safety at KFRS, issued a statement.
He said public safety is the service’s priority.
He added that legal action will be taken where lives are put at risk.
The offences fell under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.