A self-catering holiday let business has been ordered to pay a total of £33,658 in fines and court costs after failing to adhere to fire safety regulations.

On October 17, 2023, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service received concerns regarding the fire safety provisions at holiday accommodation known as Premier Apartments Flats 1 to 4 in St Ives.

During an inspection at the premises on the same day, the Fire Safety Inspector found multiple fire safety breaches including a lack of risk suitable risk assessments and inadequate fire detection.

On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court, Gill [St Ives] Holiday Enterprises Limited was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to the following charges under the Regulatory Reform [Fire Safety] Order 2005:

District judge Jo Matson said fire safety matters were extremely serious due to the risks that can occur. She added that those staying at the premises were on holiday and should be protected.

The court heard that following the inspection in 2023, the company had spent around £25,000 rectifying the issues raised. Gill [St Ives] Holiday Enterprises Limited was ordered to pay a fine of £22,660, a victim surcharge of £2,000 and £8,998 in costs. The company was given 28 days to make full payment.

Kathryn Billing, chief fire officer at Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The Fire Safety Order is designed to protect life in the event of fire, and whilst prosecution is always a last resort, the case serves as a strong reminder to those with responsibilities that if they fail to meet their regulatory requirements or put people at significant risk in the event of fire, we will not hesitate to seek the highest sanctions possible.”

Business owners can find more information regarding their fire safety responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order at www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire-and-rescue-service/business-fire-safety/