Two nightclub bosses have been fined after being found guilty of breaching fire safety laws. Kevin Clarke and Stephen Bailey had a hearing before Bury magistrates on September the 7th to answer charges under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred at the Coco Lounge, Temptations and Cooler Bar.
The results of an inspection conducted by the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service led to the legal action being taken. Clarke was fined £2,700 plus £1,906 court costs after his guilty plea to seven offences was entered, including failing to have suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and failure to provide adequate fire safety training for company employees.
Bailey was ordered to pay £550 plus £100 court costs. He admitted three offences concerning a lack of suitable and sufficient fire risk assessments. The director of prevention and protection at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service was quoted as saying: “We always support businesses that work to make their premises safe for people to use. However we will take action against those businesses that neglect fire safety and in doing so put the lives of staff and the public at risk. We hope this court case sends a clear message that fire safety must be taken seriously.”
