Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service brought the prosecution after serious failings were identified at the Central Grill in Truro and the accommodation above it.
Ashford 23 Ltd, which operates the food outlet at 9 Calenick Street, is run by sole director Sinjar Zurel. During a fire safety audit, officers found that the first floor was being used as sleeping accommodation.
Zurel, 26, had committed multiple breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, placing residents living above the premises at significant risk of death or serious injury.
He pleaded guilty to five offences, including:
- Failing to carry out a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment on or before February 2024
- Failing to ensure the premises were 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 Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service
At Truro Crown Court on March 18, 2026, Zurel was handed a 16‑month custodial sentence, suspended for two years – reduced from 20 months due to early guilty pleas.
He must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work, pay £4,800 in costs at £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.”