There was not a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment for the premises
A business owner has been prosecuted after failing to adhere to fire safety regulations.
The prosecution was brought by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service after multiple fire safety breaches were discovered at the Central Grill, Truro, and the above accommodation.
Ashford 23 Ltd operates the Central Grill food outlet at 9 Calenick Street, and Sinjar Zurel is the sole director of the company.
At the time of the fire safety audit conducted by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, the first floor was being used as sleeping accommodation.
Zurel, aged 26, had committed multiple breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, placing residents living on the first floor at significant risk of death or serious injury.
He pleaded guilty to five counts, which included:
• Failing to make a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment on or before February 2024, as required under the Fire Safety Order.
• Failing to ensure the premises were adequately equipped with appropriate firefighting equipment, fire detectors, and fire alarms.
• Two counts of failing to maintain the integrity of emergency routes
• Failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice issued by the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service
On March 18, 2026, at Truro Crown Court, Zurel received a 16-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years. This was reduced from 20 months in recognition of early guilty pleas.
He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, pay £4,800 in costs at a rate of £200 per month, and pay a £154 victim surcharge.
A spokesperson for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said: “Fire safety laws exist to protect lives. The failings identified at Central Grill created a wholly unacceptable risk of death or serious injury for those residing above the premises. Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service will always take enforcement action where serious breaches are identified, and we welcome the sentence.
“This prosecution demonstrates that, while we strive to work collaboratively with business owners to uphold fire safety standards, our overriding priority is the safety of our communities. Prosecution remains a last resort, but when serious risks to public safety are discovered, we will not hesitate to act.”
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is urging all business owners and Responsible Persons to regularly review their fire safety arrangements, ensure that Fire Risk Assessments are undertaken, kept up to date, and are suitable and sufficient.
They must also maintain full compliance with legal requirements to safeguard staff, customers, and residents.
See more information about Business fire safety on the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service website.
Press release issued on March 23, 2026