Two Queensland venues have been charged and fined for breaches relating to maintaining their fire systems.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) officers conducted a routine inspection of the monitored alarm system at Magnums Hotel on Airlie Beach, which is operated by ALH and owned by HPI.
The officers presented 25 charges relating to ‘failure to maintain a prescribed fire safety installation’, to which ALH plead guilty to 17 charges and was fined $42,500.
Similarly, Surfers Paradise strip club Hollywood Showgirls received 25 charges and was fined $30,000 after QFES officers found fire alarms disabled and fire doors blocked on more than one occasion.
A conviction was recorded against the operator.
The QFES proffered that the two sets of legal action serve as a warning to businesses, and manager of Compliance & Prosecution, Mark Halverson, says licensed premises should be particularly vigilant.
“Fire detection and alarm systems are vital life-saving equipment, especially in nightclubs and hotels, where patrons may be affected by alcohol and large groups of people congregate in small spaces.”
