Takeaway Owner Sentenced for Fire Safety Breaches in Truro

Takeaway Owner Sentenced After ‘Serious Risk’ Fire Failings

A takeaway business owner in Truro has been sentenced after fire safety breaches were found to have put lives at risk.

Multiple breaches uncovered

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service brought a prosecution against Ashford 23 Ltd, which operates the Central Grill food outlet at 9 Calenick Street in Truro. Sinjar Zurel, aged 26 and the sole director of the company, was found to have committed multiple breaches of fire safety regulations.

At the time of a fire safety audit, the first floor of the premises was being used as sleeping accommodation.

Zurel admitted five offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. These included failing to carry out a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment by February 2024, not providing adequate firefighting equipment and alarms, failing to maintain emergency escape routes, and not complying with an Enforcement Notice issued by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service.

Court outcome

On 18th March 2026 at Truro Crown Court, Sinjar Zurel received a 16-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years. This was reduced from 20 months due to 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 a £154 victim surcharge.

Fire service response

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.”

Safety reminder for businesses

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is urging business owners and those responsible for premises to regularly review fire safety arrangements. This includes ensuring Fire Risk Assessments are completed, kept up to date, and are suitable and sufficient.

They must also comply fully with legal requirements to protect staff, customers and residents.

More information can be found on the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service website about Business fire safety guidance: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire-and-rescue-service/business-fire-safety/