31 Aug 2011
An ex-hotel manager was fined £3,000 for not complying with an enforcement notice issued over concerns about means of escape from the building.
The issues at the Kedleston Country House Hotel near Derby included inadequate emergency lighting and inadequate fire doors. James Knappette was served with the notice by Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Authority.
Fire safety remained inadequate despite two extensions being granted to finish work ordered under the Enforcement Notice.
Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court also ordered Knappette to pay £2,000 in costs.
Hotel owners and managers have a high duty of care because guests are unfamiliar with the layout of the hotel, said Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service’s group manager Steve Wells.
He added that guests rely completely on fire safety measures provided to ensure they can escape safely in the event of a fire.
Copyright Press Association 2011