A Recent Berkshire Case Reinforcing Fire Safety Duties for Commercial Premises
A recent prosecution involving a car wash and café site in Winnersh has reinforced a clear message to business owners and site managers across Berkshire: fire safety compliance is a legal requirement, not an optional extra.
In April 2025, a site manager was ordered to pay more than £26,000 after admitting multiple fire safety breaches identified during a fire authority inspection.
The case highlights how even relatively small commercial sites can face significant penalties if fundamental fire safety measures are missing.
What Happened?
The case concerned a car wash and café located at 398 Reading Road, Winnersh, a site understood to be part of a former petrol station.
At the time of the inspection in 2023, the premises were managed by Artan Hyseni, aged 51, of Fordwich Road, Welwyn Garden City.
Following a visit by Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, inspectors identified a number of serious fire safety deficiencies. These findings ultimately led to prosecution proceedings at Reading Magistrates’ Court.
Mr Hyseni admitted the breaches in February 2025 and was sentenced on 26 March 2025, receiving a total financial penalty of £26,441.35.
Fire Safety Failings Identified
The inspection revealed three serious breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all of which presented a risk to people using or working at the premises.
Lack of Fire Detection and Firefighting Equipment
Inspectors found there was no adequate fire detection or firefighting equipment at the site.
Fire detection systems are essential for providing early warning, particularly in commercial environments where fires can develop rapidly due to electrical equipment, machinery, or flammable materials. Firefighting equipment, such as extinguishers, can help control small fires in their early stages — but only if it is present, suitable, and maintained.
Inadequate Means of Escape
The premises were also found to have inadequate means of escape in the event of a fire.
Safe escape routes must allow occupants to leave the building quickly and safely, without obstruction, and should be clearly identified. In environments such as car washes and cafés, where staff and members of the public may be unfamiliar with the layout, this becomes even more critical.
Failure to Meet Basic Legal Requirements
Taken together, these failings demonstrated a lack of basic fire safety management at the premises. Under the Fire Safety Order, duty holders must proactively assess risks and implement appropriate control measures — not wait until issues are identified during an inspection.
Court Outcome
At Reading Magistrates’ Court, Mr Hyseni admitted the offences and was ordered to pay:
- Fines for the fire safety offences
- A victim surcharge
- Fire Authority prosecution costs
The total amount payable came to £26,441.35.
Rachel Bloomfield, Prevention and Protection Change and Improvement Manager for the fire service, commented:
“This successful prosecution demonstrates to businesses that we will act where necessary to protect the public should they not take their commitments to fire safety seriously.”
Her statement reflects the consistent position taken by fire authorities: support and guidance are always offered first, but enforcement action will follow where serious risks remain.
Why This Case Matters for Business Owners
This prosecution is particularly relevant for businesses operating from:
- Converted or former petrol station sites
- Mixed-use commercial premises
- Car washes, workshops, cafés, and light industrial units
These types of premises often present unique fire risks, including:
- Electrical equipment and machinery
- Fuel residues or flammable materials
- Enclosed or semi-enclosed structures
- Public access combined with staff-only areas
Failing to address these risks through a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment can quickly lead to enforcement action.
Key Lessons from This Prosecution
This case highlights several important lessons for duty holders across Berkshire:
- Fire Risk Assessments must be in place and acted upon
- Fire detection and firefighting equipment are fundamental requirements
- Escape routes must be suitable for the building and its use
- Site managers and operators can be held personally accountable
- Financial penalties can be substantial, even where no fire has occurred
Most importantly, enforcement action is often entirely preventable with competent advice and proactive fire safety management.
A Clear Enforcement Message in Berkshire
Fire safety enforcement activity across Berkshire continues to be robust, with inspections targeting a wide range of premises — not just large or high-profile buildings.
This case demonstrates that small and medium-sized businesses are equally expected to comply, and that failure to do so can have serious financial and legal consequences.
For the original BBC News report, see:
🔗 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyqvq3qgd7o
Need Expert Help with Fire Safety Compliance?
Cases like this show why it is essential to work with competent, experienced fire safety professionals who understand both the legislation and local enforcement expectations.
At ESI: Fire Safety, our fire safety professionals support business owners, landlords, and managing agents across Berkshire, Surrey, and Hampshire.
We can help with:
- Professional Fire Risk Assessments for commercial premises
- Advice on fire alarms, firefighting equipment, and escape routes
- Clear, prioritised action plans — not generic paperwork
- Ongoing compliance support following inspections
Our approach is built on real-world experience and a commitment to no shortcuts in safety.
If you are responsible for a commercial site and unsure whether your fire safety arrangements are compliant, act now — before enforcement action or a serious incident puts lives and your business at risk.