A Truro business owner has been prosecuted after failing to adhere to fire safety regulations, placing first-floor residents at “significant risk of death or serious injury”.

A fire safety audit conducted by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service revealed multiple breaches at the Central Grill and first-floor accommodation at 9 Calenick Street.

Ashford 23 Ltd operates the Central Grill food outlet, with Sinjar Zurel, 26, the sole director of the company. Zurel had committed multiple breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

He pleaded guilty to five counts including: failing to make a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment on or before February 2024, as required under the Fire Safety Order; failing to ensure the premises were adequately equipped with appropriate firefighting equipment, detectors and alarms; two counts of failing to maintain the integrity of emergency routes, and failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice issued by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service.

On Wednesday, March 18 at Truro Crown Court, Zurel received a 16-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years and reduced from 20 months in recognition of early guilty pleas. He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, pay £4,800 in costs at a rate of £200 per month, and pay a £154 victim surcharge.

A Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson welcomed the sentence, saying: “The failings identified at Central Grill created a wholly unacceptable risk of death or serious injury for those residing above the premises.

“While we strive to work collaboratively with business owners to uphold fire safety standards, our overriding priority is the safety of our communities. Prosecution remains a last resort, but when serious risks to public safety are discovered, we will not hesitate to act.”

Business owners are urged to review fire safety arrangements regularly, and to maintain full compliance with legal requirements to safeguard staff, customers and residents.