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Slug: morecambe-club-fire-fire-risk-assessment-lessons

Meta description (SEO): The 2019 Morecambe working men’s club fire led to deaths. A 2025 inquest and 2023 sentencing demonstrate the vital need for proper fire risk assessments under UK law.

🔥 The 2019 Morecambe Club Tragedy — What Went Wrong

On 9 October 2019, a fire broke out at the Gordon Working Men’s Club in Morecambe. Investigations later revealed the blaze was triggered when a gas‑cylinder heater was ignited, causing a rapid “fireball” and dense smoke. Lancaster Guardian+1

Tragically, two men died — aged 60 and 70 — because when they attempted to escape, a fire exit was blocked by an external security door that was bolted shut, preventing safe evacuation. Lancaster Guardian+1

In November 2025, a jury returned a “narrative verdict,” concluding that the locked fire exit, use of inappropriate LPG heating, and the absence of a fire‑evacuation plan contributed to the deaths. Lancaster Guardian

⚖️ 2023 Sentencing — Fire‑Safety Failures Held Criminally Accountable

In January 2023, the operators of the club — a mother and son — were convicted under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) for multiple serious fire‑safety breaches. AOL+1

• The mother was jailed for eight months after admitting 13 offences. AOL
• The son received a six‑month sentence (suspended for 12 months) plus 200 hours’ community service for six charges. AOL

Court testimony highlighted multiple failings: lack of functioning fire doors, ineffective alarms, unsafe heating using LPG cylinders, and blocked or locked escape routes.

✅ Fire Risk Assessments: Legal Duty & Real‑World Benefits

📄 Legal Duty Under FSO

• Under the FSO, the “responsible person” (owner, employer, occupier, manager — anyone who controls premises) must carry out a “suitable and sufficient” fire risk assessment of the premises. Legislation.gov.uk+1
• The assessment must be regularly reviewed, especially if the building’s use, layout or occupancy changes. Legislation.gov.uk+1
• Since changes introduced by the Building Safety Act 2022, all Responsible Persons must record the full findings of fire risk assessments and fire‑safety arrangements — not just “significant findings”. GOV.UK+1

🔧 Practical Benefits of a Proper Assessment

A properly conducted fire risk assessment helps to:

• Identify hazards early — flammable materials, unsafe heating or electrical sources, poor exit routes, faulty fire doors, etc.
• Ensure safe escape routes and exits — maintaining unblocked, functioning fire‑exits, self‑closing doors, adequate signage and lighting.
• Improve safety systems — installing or maintaining fire alarms, detection systems, fire‑fighting equipment, emergency lighting, and evacuation plans.
• Reduce legal liability — compliance protects the “responsible person” from criminal prosecution, fines or imprisonment. As illustrated in the Morecambe case.
• Protect lives and property — reducing the risk of fire-related injury, death or damage, and preserving business continuity.

🛠️ What Responsible Persons Should Do Now

If you manage, own or have control of any non‑domestic premises (pub, club, office, retail, etc.), you should:

1. Commission a fire risk assessment — either by yourself (if competent) or — preferably — by a qualified assessor.
2. Record the full findings and fire‑safety arrangements (mandatory under the latest rules).
3. Implement corrective actions — fix escape routes/doors, fire alarms, heating systems, storage for hazardous materials, evacuation planning, etc.
4. Review and update the assessment regularly — and after any changes in layout, occupancy, use — to ensure ongoing compliance.

📰 Final Thoughts

The tragic 2019 fire at Gordon Working Men’s Club — and the 2023 convictions, followed by the 2025 inquest verdict — illustrate a grim reality: when fire‑safety procedures are ignored, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Don’t wait for tragedy to enforce compliance — act now.

A fire risk assessment is not just a piece of paperwork or an optional extra. For businesses, clubs or any public‑use premises, it is a legal duty, a moral imperative and a vital safeguard for human lives, property and reputation.

Understanding 2025 Legal Updates

In 2025, UK fire safety legislation has been significantly strengthened. Under Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022, certain breaches—such as impersonating a fire inspector or failing to comply with inspection requests—now carry unlimited fines instead of the previous £1,000 cap london-fire.gov.ukGOV.UK. Additionally, the Fire Safety Order now requires Responsible Persons to record full fire risk assessments, detail fire safety arrangements, and share critical information both with incoming Responsible Persons and, where applicable, tenants in multi-occupancy buildings Lancashire Fire and Rescue ServiceLexology.

Who Bears the Responsibility?

The Responsible Person—typically the employer, owner, landlord, occupier, facilities manager, or managing agent—is legally obligated to:

• Conduct and fully record a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment (FRA);
• Maintain effective fire safety arrangements, including detection systems, escape routes, alarms, signage, and evacuation protocols;
• Provide staff or tenants with clear fire safety information and training;
• Coordinate with other Responsible Persons when sharing premises, and pass all relevant fire safety details to any incoming Responsible Person Robinsons Facilities ServicesSurrey County CouncilGOV.UK.

In higher-risk residential buildings (over 18 metres or seven storeys), the Accountable Person—often the landlord or a management company—is also required to collaborate with the Responsible Person to manage safety across the entire building london-fire.gov.ukLexology.

Why Fire Risk Assessments Require Expert Support

HSADD Ltd ensures you’re not only compliant—but also protected. Here’s how:

1. Full Compliance with New Recording Requirements
   We deliver a fully documented FRA, identifying who conducted the assessment, detailing the building’s fire safety arrangements, and ensuring records are maintained and transfer-ready.
2. Clear Accountability & Continuity
   For multi-occupied sites or at handover, we help establish solid processes for sharing fire safety information, ensuring no gaps during transitions.
3. Unlimited Penalties Call for Professional Assurance
   With fines now unlimited and removing cost as a deterrent, precision in assessment and documentation is vital. HSADD’s expertise helps shield you from exposure.
4. Support for Higher-Risk Buildings
   HSADD is well-versed in enabling coordination between Responsible and Accountable Persons, supporting informed decision-making, and fulfilling all statutory duties.
5. Implementation & Continual Support
   From guidance on improvements to long-term updates, HSADD stays with you—through reviews, regulatory visits, and evolving legislation.

Take Action Now—Book Your Fire Risk Assessment

Don’t wait. With enforcement penalties now open-ended and safety responsibilities more demanding than ever, proactivity is essential. Secure your compliance and protect your premises.

Contact HSADD Ltd today to book your professional Fire Risk Assessment. Let our experienced team guide you confidently through both new regulations and peace of mind.

Summary Table: Responsibilities at a Glance

The law may have changed—but HSADD’s commitment remains steadfast: ensuring your safety meets today’s highest standards.

Recent Incidents Highlight the Importance of Fire Risk Assessments

Recent events have underscored the critical importance of fire safety in licensed premises across the UK. Two notable incidents serve as stark reminders of the potential consequences of inadequate fire safety measures.

The Red Dog Pub Faces Licence Review Over Fire Safety Concerns

The Red Dog, a village pub located in High Halstow, Kent, is currently under scrutiny following serious fire safety concerns. In October 2024, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) conducted a safety audit and identified significant issues, including the absence of suitable and sufficient fire risk assessments and an inadequate fire warning and detection system.

An enforcement notice was issued in December 2024, requiring the pub to address these deficiencies. However, by January 2025, the pub had failed to comply with the notice. Despite attempts by KFRS to engage with the management, including setting a deadline for arranging a follow-up visit, the pub did not respond. Consequently, KFRS submitted a formal request to Medway Council to review the pub’s premises licence.

The outcome of this review could result in modifications to the licence, suspension, or even revocation, emphasising the serious implications of non-compliance with fire safety regulations.

Tragic Fire at London Venue Results in Fatality

In a separate incident, a woman tragically lost her life in a fire at a licensed premises in London. While investigations are ongoing, initial reports suggest that inadequate fire safety measures may have contributed to the severity of the incident.

Legal Obligations Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

These incidents serve as critical reminders of the legal responsibilities that licensed premises operators hold under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Key obligations include:

• Conducting Comprehensive Fire Risk Assessments: Regular assessments to identify potential fire hazards and implement appropriate measures.
• Maintaining Functional Fire Detection and Alarm Systems: Ensuring that systems are regularly tested and maintained.
• Providing Clear and Accessible Escape Routes: Keeping exits unobstructed and well-marked.
• Training Staff in Fire Safety Procedures: Ensuring all employees are aware of evacuation plans and emergency protocols.
• Complying with Enforcement Notices Promptly: Addressing any issues identified by fire safety authorities without delay.

Failure to adhere to these obligations can result in severe consequences, including legal action, financial penalties, and, most gravely, loss of life.

How HSADD Ltd Can Assist

At HSADD Ltd, we specialise in providing comprehensive Fire Risk Assessments tailored to the unique needs of licensed premises. Our services include:

• Detailed On-Site Evaluations: Identifying potential fire hazards and assessing current safety measures.
• Customised Fire Safety Plans: Developing strategies to mitigate identified risks.
• Staff Training Programs: Educating employees on fire safety protocols and emergency response.
• Ongoing Support and Compliance Assistance: Ensuring your premises remain compliant with all fire safety regulations.

Don’t wait for an incident to highlight the importance of fire safety. Proactive measures can protect your patrons, staff, and business.

Contact Us Today

Ensure your licensed premises meet all fire safety requirements. Contact HSADD Ltd to schedule a comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment.

This month is all but booked up with only a couple of appointments available, please don’t leave it to the last minute adding more pressure on yourself, book now for 4 weeks booking time.

We do get some cancellations so contact us, preferably in plenty of time for us to help you.

The Need for Fire Door Audit Under Fire Safety Regulations 2005

Fire doors are an essential part of any fire safety system. They help to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, and they can help to save lives. However, fire doors can only be effective if they are properly installed and maintained.

The Fire Safety Regulations 2005 (FSR2005) require all fire doors to be inspected and tested on a regular basis. This is to ensure that they are still in good working order and that they will be able to perform their intended function in the event of a fire.

There are a number of things that can go wrong with fire doors, such as:

• They can be damaged by fire, smoke, or water.
• They can be obstructed by furniture or other objects.
• They can be fitted incorrectly.
• They can be fitted with the wrong hardware.

If any of these things happen, the fire door may not be able to perform its intended function in the event of a fire. This could lead to the spread of fire and smoke, and it could put people’s lives at risk.

That’s why it’s so important to have your fire doors audited on a regular basis. An audit will identify any problems with your fire doors and it will help to ensure that they are in good working order.

Yjis is not dissimilar to arranging for the full service of your fire extinguishers annually and can detect faults in advance of a failure that can cause that part of the fire defence to fail

If you’re not sure whether your fire doors have been audited recently, you should contact your local fire authority. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action or you can contact HSADD and we can help you with guidance, advice and audit reports.

Here are some of the benefits of having a fire door audit:

• It can help to identify any problems with your fire doors.
• It can help to ensure that your fire doors are in good working order.
• It can help to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
• It can help to save lives.

If you’re serious about fire safety, then you should have your fire doors audited on a regular basis. It’s an investment that could save lives.

Two of our Clients have had to deal with receiving letters, one was over three years ago, and the other was on 7th February 2023, for a slip claim that ‘allegedly’ occurred on 3rd February 2023.

FIRST CASE

A female entered the premises just 28 days after the alleged date and asked if the venue had CCTV from the date of the fall and that she needed to ‘report’ that she had fallen over – on a wet floor – 28 days earlier. She was fully aware that CCTV isn’t retained after a number of days, however, she miscalculated!

CCTV was immediately preserved for one night on either side of the alleged date, after a significant amount of searching we couldn’t see anyone falling over, let alone breaking an elbow and walking out! A report was completed and everything was stored. 10 days later the claim arrived!

The Client had ISITCHECKED and Compliance Management systems in use, so when the letter came in HSADD was tasked to reply and help with supporting evidence collation and within 24 hours the venue insurers were in possession of a significant file of training records, floor checks, Risk Assessments, staff details, Clean as you go Policy, induction records – plus CCTV which showed that no-one had fallen.

The Insurance and loss adjusters plus solicitors acting on behalf of the insurers were extremely pleased with not only the response time but the quality of evidence.

The case was not progressed any further by the claimant’s Solicitors

SECOND CASE

Similar to the above a female falls over, does not report anything to the venue, leaves the venue, and within 4 days a letter of claim arrives, with the wrong date on it! This produced a dilemma if we had relied on what they said we could see no incident, the venue didn’t and expanded the search to find an incident the day before.

Again a rapid response for the defence evidence enabled a quick response to the claim, which HD CCTV showed that the incident as described by the claimant was somewhat dissimilar from CCTV!

A video conference was arranged with the Loss Adjuster and once the evidence was explained to him and he watched the CCTV he is satisfied that this case will be stopped.

COMPLIMENT

During the meeting the Loss adjuster commented “I AM VERY IMPRESSED WITH ISITCHECKED, IF THIS SYSTEM WAS DEPLOYED AND USED PROPERLY THIS WOULD CHANGE THE UK SLIP AND TRIP DEFENCE OVERNIGHT”

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) is the main piece of legislation governing fire safety in buildings in England and Wales. It places legal duties on anyone in control of these premises (the Responsible Person – usually the owner or landlord) to undertake a fire risk assessment and put in place and maintain general fire precautions.

The FSO applies to all workplaces and the common parts of buildings containing two or more domestic premises. This includes:

• • Offices
  • Shops
  • Factories
  • Schools
  • Hospitals
  • Care homes
  • Multi-storey flats
  • Shopping centres
  • Hotels
  • Restaurants
  • Pubs
  • Nightclubs
  • Any other building where people work or visit

The Responsible Person must carry out a fire risk assessment to identify the fire hazards in their premises and to put in place measures to reduce the risk of fire and to ensure that people can safely escape in the event of a fire.

The fire risk assessment must be carried out by a competent person. This means someone who has the knowledge and experience to identify and assess fire hazards. The Responsible Person can carry out the assessment themselves, or they can appoint a competent person to do it for them.

The fire risk assessment should be recorded and kept up to date. It should be reviewed regularly to make sure that it is still accurate and that the measures in place are still effective.

The Responsible Person must also provide fire safety training to employees and other people who work on or in their premises. This training should cover the following:

• The fire risk assessment
• The fire safety procedures
• How to use fire equipment
• How to evacuate the building in the event of a fire

The Responsible Person must also make sure that fire safety equipment is in good working order and that it is regularly checked and maintained.

The FSO is enforced by the fire and rescue authorities in England and Wales. If the fire and rescue authority finds that the Responsible Person has not complied with the FSO, they can take enforcement action. This could include issuing an improvement notice, a prohibition notice, or a fine.

The FSO is an important piece of legislation that helps to keep people safe from fire. By carrying out a fire risk assessment and putting in place fire safety measures, the Responsible Person can help to prevent fires and to ensure that people can safely escape in the event of a fire.

HSADD Ltd can help by attending your premises and completing a full Fire Risk Assessment and providing a full report together with recommendations for ‘Substantial other findings’, advice and guidance, together with meeting your local fire Officer at the time of an inspection.

2019 to 2022 has been a horrible time for the Night Time industry as a whole, first with COVID then as the venues come out of that all of a sudden the Local Authorities seem (in some areas) to be on a seek-and-destroy mission making up for a lost time!

I have followed some of the more published issues involving serious issues at Bars and clubs, huge crush with fake ticket sales, a younger innocent pub attendee shot by accident and killed, young male stabbed – all over the Christmas period.

As soon as these happen the first thing that happens is the venue is placed on review and closed for 28 days – NO MATTER whether the venue has acted properly or not! I have always believed that the ‘punishment’ should match the crime, this process is NOT due process.

My sympathy always is with the people who, through no fault of their own, have lost their lives, the families that are devastated, the sadness tearing through family and friends, absolutely terrible, but to keep hammering a venue for say knife crime is just too easy to blame the venue!

The elected Government and the Courts HAVE to step up as these people carrying knives have little to no consequences of them getting caught carrying a knife, blade, or sharpened item, they have a very small chance of actually getting caught and even IF they arrived at Court they walk away laughing! – Just not good enough – by far.

Anyone in possession MUST receive minimum sentences starting at 5 years! Good behaviour definitely gets rewarded – they get out after 5 years!! Try bad behaviour – double the sentence!! there is a start!

People taking people’s lives, whether with a knife, crushed in a rush for the entrance with false tickets, or firing off indiscriminately into a crowded bar – are getting lesser punishment than some homeless stealing a pack of sandwiches from Tesco (other supermarkets are available)!!

Take a bar closed for 28 days, goes to review and the committee tells them to increase door staff or, and

I have been there, zero changes as the venue did all they could have reasonably done, has just cost the ‘innocent’ bar £700,00.00 in lost revenue and legal fees!! THIS IS NOT RIGHT.

SOMETHING TO TRY FOR 2023

• PREPARE, PREPARE PREPARE!
• PLAN FOR THE WORST AND HOPE FOR THE BEST
• GET YOUR PAPERWORK IN ORDER – Due diligence is often seen as a ‘none revenue stream’
• IF YOU NEED HELP ASK EARLY – Too many leave asking until it’s too late to fix!

Last but not least the very best of wishes from all at HSADD Ltd to all of our hardworking clients and for our new clients and friends for 2023

Facing an impossible situation, review, closure, altered hours, loss of premises licence

Circumstances

One of our Clients received the worst message he could have at 10.00 pm the day after a serious incident had occurred at his bar. A member of security had pulled out a gun when threatened by a person wielding a six-inch carving knife. A disturbance in the street occurred, clearly an affray and serious assault by the security guards and a member of the public (The CCTV was damming)

The incident had occurred the previous evening and had been grossly underreported by the offending security staff and only when social websites started showing footage and still images, then the Police got involved!

Our Client contacted me immediately and as a long term Client with both our Compliance Management System and ISITCHECKED in use, we reviewed his situation and offered some immediate solutions, and more importantly – a plan.

Two local licensing solicitors were spoken to, both very knowledgeable and very helpful. I was told that we had less than a 1% chance of NOT losing the licence for a minimum of 28 days at an interim review and maybe permanently such was the disaster unfolding.

The Client was soon served with an interim hearing notice and we had four days to prepare for the hearing. Meanwhile, the Police were arresting the Security staff, tracking down witnesses and preparing to ask for a closure order and full licensing review.

At the interim hearing, the Council Licensing Committee gave a fair hearing to both sides, – we gave it our best shot – ever!

The Committee’s decision was that the premises could remain open and the only condition added at the interim hearing was that an additional member of bar staff be employed to assist with the supervision of the premises.

Solution

The use of our Compliance Management system and ISITCHECKED and 30+ years experience in the nighttime economy, yet again proved a great success – BUT – Please don’t wait until you are in this situation, when all your work, investment and livelihood are hanging by a thread because quite honestly, in the words of a Licensing Chairman “Well Mr X, if you would have had this in place before we wouldn’t be here now”!

I have a tendency to ‘harp’ on about keeping up with good due diligence, pushing our cloud-based services, (I do this because I know they work). One of my Clients appreciated this only too well recently.

They had a very serious and extreme incident at the venue resulting in allegations against Security staff of affray, possession of weapons, excess use of force and a customer arriving with a weapon.

The Police went for an interim hearing extremely confident that they would get full closure, I was told they had a 99% chance of getting this and my Client had a 1% of NOT getting closed!

The Client had our Compliance Management and ISITCHECKED systems in use and notified us within 3-4 hours of the incident, enabling an immediate response.

At the interim hearing, I explained what had been done since the incident, what was already in place and what we were going to do. The committee supported our Clients application and he has remained open – against all odds!

Premises licences have been suspended for far less of an incident than this one.

Take a look at our ‘Best Practices Post‘

What do I take away from this experience – That OUR systems and practices place any venue in a good defensive position, do it right the first time – STAY OPEN.