Overview
Responsibility for enforcing fire safety requirements is split between the relevant Fire & Rescue Service for the area in which the premises are located, and the Local Authority in whose area the premises are, depending on the nature of the premises concerned. In some instances, different parts of the same premises may fall within the remit of different regulators.
Contravening fire safety legislation can have very serious consequences. Unlimited fines and, in appropriate cases, sentences of imprisonment are at the Court’s disposal. We have prosecuted a number of cases where custodial sentences have been imposed for breaches of the Order.
How can we help?
We provide advice, guidance, and representation in relation to Fire Safety law, including allegations of offences contrary to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and additionally in cases where Prohibition, Enforcement or Alteration Notices have been served (including advice on appeals against the issuing of those notices). We also provide training to Inspecting Officers on investigative procedures and techniques, and disclosure obligations.
Key contact
Justin Davies
Justin Davies has specialised in criminal and regulatory law since qualification in 2007. He has particular experience of regulatory criminal proceedings instituted by Local Authorities and other non-police agencies, and spent time as a specialist regulatory prosecutor at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, advising and prosecuting on behalf of its trading standards, public/environmental health and counter-fraud departments. Justin now practises in regulatory, corporate crime and allied areas, acting for both prosecution and defence. Justin holds (and regularly exercises) Higher Rights of Audience in Criminal Proceedings, which allows him to represent clients before the higher criminal courts.
Next steps
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