Suffolk wedding venue admits to breaching fire safety rules
The company that runs Worlingham Hall has admitted to failing to put in extra safety measures - despite being ordered to do so
The company that runs a Suffolk wedding venue has admitting to failing to improve fire safety despite being ordered to do so by the fire service.
Mallard Enterprises LTD, which runs the Grade I listed Worlngham Hall near Beccles, was issued with a Prohibition Notice in April 2021 to prevent people sleeping at the hall as safety measures weren't up to scratch.
Fire officers later inspected the venue in September 2021 finding Mallard Enterprises were in breach of the order as a wedding was taking place on the site.
It was allowed to continue after the company brought in a waking watch for guests staying overnight.
The firm later admitted to three breaches of the Prohibition Notice at Ipswich Magistrates Court, along with four fire safety offences.
It had failed to equip the hall with proper detectors or firefighting equipment and hadn't carried out a risk assessment.
Jon Lacey, from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“Our Protection team remains committed to working with businesses across Suffolk to ensure that they meet fire regulations and are looking after the safety of their customers.
“Mallard Enterprises Ltd could not demonstrate that they were doing so, leading to the issue of the Prohibition Notice and an opportunity for them to rectify our serious concerns about fire safety.
“Unfortunately, the company had no regard to the risk of death or serious injury posed to the public, leaving us with no option but to seek a prosecution, which I’m pleased was successful.”
Suffolk County Councillor Andrew Reid said:
“This prosecution demonstrates the consequences of ignoring safety legislation, which I hope will serve as a warning to any business who has not made adequate arrangements to protect their customers from fire.
“Thanks to the tireless work of our Protection team, the dangerous actions of a popular wedding and events venue have come to light and been stopped, potentially saving hundreds of lives.
“I am immensely grateful to our fire service for securing a guilty plea, and for their continued efforts to look after the health and wellbeing of Suffolk’s residents.”
The firm will be sentenced at Ipswich Magistrates Court at a later date.