Canterbury Takeaway Fined Over Fire Safety Failings
Canterbury Masala Ltd, the firm behind Masala Gate takeaway in North Gate, has been slapped with hefty fines after failing fire safety checks. Folkestone Magistrates Court found the business guilty of serious breaches that put staff and customers in danger.
Fire Inspectors Uncover Dangerous Flaws
During a June 2021 inspection, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) uncovered multiple fire hazards at the eatery. The company pleaded guilty to four offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Key failings included:
- No fire detection or warning system
- Insufficient fire risk assessment
- Inadequate emergency exit routes
These breaches risked causing serious injury or death in the event of a fire.
Heavy Penalties Send Warning to Local Businesses
Canterbury Masala Ltd was hit with a £4,000 fine, plus a £190 victim surcharge and £19,293 in costs. The court made clear this was a sharp reminder to all Kent and Medway businesses to take fire safety seriously.
“We will always offer support and advice to any business that needs our help,” said Suzanna Chisholm, Head of Building Safety at KFRS. “But if you fail to comply with fire safety regulations and put people’s lives at risk, then we will prosecute when necessary.”
“We hope this sentence will remind others to stay fire compliant to keep everyone safe,” she added.
Fire Safety is No Joke — Don’t Gamble With Lives
The court ruling underscores that fire safety is a legal must, not an option. Businesses ignoring these rules risk hefty fines, costly court battles, and reputational damage — as Canterbury Masala Ltd now knows all too well.
