Malfax Investment Limited, who own a hotel in Bayswater, admitted six offences under FSO (Fire Safety Order) and was ordered to pay £21,000 in fines and costs following a prosecution brought by the London Fire Brigade.

The Averard Hotel in Lancaster Gate was inspected by fire officers who found a number of fire safety failing including inadequate fire detection and alarms systems, problems with the external means of escape and inadequate and defective fire doors. As a result of these deficiencies the officers issued an enforcement notice detailing the issues and when they are needed to be completed by.

The company disclosed a Fire Risk Assessment that detailed a number of failings and advised steps they needed to take to address them. Malfax Investments Limited failed to act on the findings and implement any of the actions required to ensure people’s safety in the event of a fire occurring.

The hotel closed shortly after the enforcement notice was issued.

London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety Regulation, Steve Turek, said: “The general public should feel safe from fire when they are staying at a hotel and the responsible person must make sure their premises comply with the regulations. All premises owners and operators must undertake a fire risk assessment. Although, this was completed in this case, it is no use if the responsible person does not act on its findings.”