DIY store ‘Al Murads’ has admitted 20 fire safety breaches across 3 of its branches, and been found guilty of failing to comply with fire safety laws.

In 2014, West Yorkshire Police reviewed Al Murads’ Leeds, Morely and Batley stores and found many instances of fire safety failings, including faulty alarms, blocking fire exits and failing to maintain equipment.

Such failings could have resulted in disastrous consequences in the event of a fire, and demonstrate best practices being completely overlooked.

The company was originally fined £128,000 in December of last year, however the case has now been submitted to Leeds Crown Court after it was found that lay magistrates had acted beyond their jurisdiction.

For the full story, read Store Awaits Sentence Over Fire Safety

It is essential that retail owners are familiar with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005, and that all stores have had a thorough fire risk assessment. Clothes shops, DIY stores, furniture shops; whatever the nature of your retail store, it is imperative that you carry out the necessary assessments to ensure full legal compliance.