Guesthouse near Shepton Mallet fined £26,000 for fire safety breaches
Legal notices prevent accommodation use until fire issues are resolved
A guesthouse near Shepton Mallet, operated by Prestleigh Inn B&B Limited, has been fined £26,000 for failing to comply with fire safety regulations.
Taunton Magistrates Court heard the case on 16th July 2026, following prosecution by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. The court imposed an additional £2,000 victim surcharge and full costs of £5,700 on the company.
Concerns arose after a guest reported fire safety issues in May 2025. Subsequent inspections revealed multiple defects, including a non-functioning fire alarm system with nine faults, absence of regular maintenance for fire safety systems, and defective fire doors.
Due to the severity of these deficiencies, the fire safety inspectors issued two legal notices prohibiting accommodations at the guesthouse until necessary repairs were completed.
The court proceedings
Prestleigh Inn B&B Limited pleaded guilty to four offences under the Fire Safety Order 2005, relating to fire risk assessments, fire detectors and alarms, means of escape, and maintenance of fire precautions.
The company was fined £16,000 for lack of fire risk assessment under Article 9 and £10,000 for insufficient fire detectors and alarms under Article 13. No further penalties were imposed for the other two offences.
Response from the fire safety service
Darren Bridges, Fire Safety Manager, commented, “I hope this case serves as a reminder to anyone managing guest accommodation to take fire safety seriously. Failure to do so, not only endangers occupants but can result in prosecution. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of carrying out a fire risk assessment and having appropriate fire safety measures in place.”
Company's remedial actions
Counsel for Prestleigh Inn B&B Limited, Jack Barry, stated the company's acknowledgment of their shortcomings. Since the violations, the company director has completed an Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) risk management course, ensuring future compliance with fire safety regulations.