JD Sports Fashion PLC appeared in Wolverhampton Crown Court on 19^th October 2017 charged with six breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

During a routine pre-Christmas inspection, West Midlands Fire Service discovered that the JD sports store located at Intu Merry Hill, Brierley Hill was in breach of several fire safety regulations. In the run up to Christmas 2015 the store had large amounts of excess stock, with crates and clothing rails blocking fire exits reducing the escape route width to just 30cm.

The blockages had been removed when officers returned an hour later and stated that there would be a further unannounced visit. Two weeks later officers revisited the store and found the same issues with stock again blocking escape routes.

During the hearing it was stated that JD Sports Fashion PLC had been on notice as it had conducted an internal fire risk assessment in 2014 which had identified the very same issues and called for daily inspections by a store manager.

The company was fined £60,000 for the six breaches and ordered to pay costs of £7,463.52. District Judge Wheeler noted that that he recognised the company had taken the prosecution seriously and had addressed the issues.

The company has since moved to a larger premises inside the Merry Hill complex, and stated that they had made improvements in stock ordering and management procedures.

James Lowe, Regulatory and Licensing Partner at George Green commented that “the run up to Christmas is a very busy time for retailers with large amounts of stock in stores and warehouses. It is important that businesses remain aware of, and comply with, their duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 at all times”.

Should you have any questions about your obligations in respect of fire safety law, call James Lowe, our Regulatory and Licensing Partner on 07833 240 400 for advice and assistance.