Bar George fined heavily for 'lackadaisical approach to fire safety'

Officers found a set of double fire doors screwed shut

A Douglas bar and restaurant has been fined £11,500 after contravening multiple fire regulations.

Bar George Limited was sentenced in absence at Douglas Courthouse yesterday (30 September), after repeated attempts were made to summon the owners to court.

The business was inspected on Thursday, 27 March this year after an anonymous tip-off to the police was reported to the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service.

The officers found several issues, including multiple items being stored in the way of fire exits and a logbook showing a lack of tests being logged for items from fire extinguishers to the building's fire alarm system and emergency lighting.

A set of double fire doors at the back of the restaurant had also been screwed shut, and another, next to the kitchen, had fallen off its frame and also showed signs of screws being installed.

It was claimed they had been screwed shut to prevent 'an ex-employee breaking in'.

The court heard that owner Damian Hawley was cautioned and given a list of issues to rectify to be able to reopen.

He told the officers he wished to reopen for trading the following day (Friday, 28 March) and the Saturday (29 March) before completely shutting down the business.

Two further inspections took place on the Friday, with the 'minimum standard reached' to reopen.

On Saturday, 29 March, Bar George ceased trading as discussed, blaming 'tough times in the hospitality industry' when making the announcement online.

Sentencing the company to pay £11,500 in fines and £50 in prosecution costs, Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood described the company as having a 'lack of concern or regard to fire safety', saying it evidenced a 'lackadaisical approach'.

She said: "These are serious offences - in particular the screwing shut of the fire door."

She added that "if there had been an incident", there could have been "appalling consequences".