A HOTEL owner who breached fire safety rules was given a suspended sentence. 

Paul Smith, who runs The Lismore Hotel in Banbury failed to make sure there was an adequate risk assessment of fire; failed to adequately maintain an external fire escape stair; failed to protect escape routes; and failed to ensure exits were available in case of fire.

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He appeared in court on Friday, March 12 where he was sentenced to 9 months in custody, suspended for 12 months. No financial penalty was issued but full costs were awarded to the fire authority.

It comes after Fire Safety Inspectors from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended The Lismore Hotel premises in Oxford Road on February 12, 2019 following complaints about its fire safety measures.

The hotel was operating across three floors and the inspectors found that there was a lack of fire safety measures in place. A fire safety audit was conducted revealing the building was not safe to be used as sleeping accommodation and identifying multiple breaches of the fire safety legislation.

Guests were immediately removed on safety grounds by use of a Prohibition Notice so that the hotel could not to be used for sleeping or resting.

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Station manager Chris Wilson said: "We have worked throughout the year with local business owners and employers to help them discharge their duties under the Fire Safety Legislation and are always willing to assist any business.

"Members of the public should continue to be reassured that legal action will be used only when absolutely necessary, and where serious breaches of fire safety regulations are identified."