Takeaway Boss Caught Playing with Fire Safety Faces Massive Fines
The owner of Sami’s BBQ and takeaway in Ock Street, Abingdon, has been slammed by Oxford Crown Court for dangerous fire safety breaches. On Friday 13 August, the court revealed how Mr Dumanli, director of Dub Catering Ltd, put lives at risk by ignoring basic fire safety rules.
Fire Safety Failings Put Lives at Risk
Back in August 2019, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service stormed the premises and found shocking violations. Mr Dumanli had removed a crucial sprinkler system meant to protect tenants sleeping on the two upper floors above the takeaway. No proper fire risk assessment was done, smoke alarms were missing or faulty, and escape routes were blocked or unsafe.
The takeaway operated on the ground floor, with several bedrooms above—yet fire safety measures were woefully lacking.
Takeaway Declared Unsafe, Tenants Evicted
Following complaints, inspectors carried out a fire safety audit under the 2005 Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. They deemed the building so dangerous they slapped a prohibition notice banning it from being used for sleeping or resting until improvements were made.
Tenants had to be removed immediately for their own safety. This legal step highlights the severe level of neglect by the business owner.
Heavy Penalties Hit Dub Catering Ltd and Owner
- Mr Dumanli pleaded guilty to all charges in May and received six-month suspended sentences for each offence, running concurrently.
- Dub Catering Ltd was hit with a £120,000 fine (£30,000 for each count) plus full costs.
The judge condemned the owner’s attitude to fire safety as “woefully inadequate.”
Chris Wilson of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue said: “We’re seeing more takeaways with bedrooms above that completely ignore fire safety, or as in this case, remove safety systems altogether.”
“Business owners have a legal duty to keep customers and tenants safe. This case sends a clear warning.”
Councillor Neil Fawcett added: “Our inspectors take fire safety seriously and won’t hesitate to act. The hefty fines reflect how critical safety is for everyone.”
“Business owners must accept their duty of care and keep premises safe and suitable.”
This landmark ruling is a stark reminder to all takeaway and restaurant owners in Oxfordshire: ignore fire safety at your peril.
