By KLTV Newsdesk –

A Huddersfield business has been hit with a record-breaking £160,000 fine after repeatedly ignoring fire safety enforcement measures issued by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS).

‘Blatant Disregard’ for Public and Staff Safety

Hellfire Entertainment Ltd, based on Zetland Street in Huddersfield town centre, was sentenced at Huddersfield Magistrates Court this week after failing to comply with an enforcement notice.

Magistrates condemned the company’s conduct, describing it as showing “a total, blatant disregard for the safety of both members of the public and their own employees” and “a breach of duty and a breach of trust”.

Dangerous Conditions Exposed by Inspectors

WYFRS inspectors made multiple visits to the premises and found repeated safety failings, including:

• No automatic fire detection in the kitchen

• Blocked fire exits

• No fire separation between an open kitchen, containing multiple deep fat fryers, and the bar area

Despite opportunities to address the issues, the company failed to take action, prompting legal proceedings.

Fire Service Hails Landmark Fine

Senior Fire Protection Manager at WYFRS Chris Kemp welcomed the outcome, saying: “I’m pleased to see such a significant fine, the biggest in any prosecution by us as a service handed down in response to a failure to comply with an enforcement notice.

“Our staff have worked tirelessly to bring about justice and prosecute for these breaches, protecting the lives of the public of West Yorkshire, we have also tried to work with the limited company to resolve the issues, to no avail.

“This outcome sends a clear message; there are real consequences for neglecting fire protection responsibilities.

“It’s a reminder that safety must never be compromised for convenience or cost-cutting.

“I hope this sets a precedent and encourages others to take their obligations seriously, when we as a regulator, have to step in and serve an enforcement notice, it is imperative that business owners work with us to ensure they comply with the requirements of that notice”.

Additional Costs Ordered

Alongside the substantial fine, Hellfire Entertainment Ltd was ordered to pay £17,280 in costs incurred by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

WYFRS said the case should serve as a warning to other businesses that fire safety laws will be enforced rigorously when lives are put at risk.