The fire killed three people and destroyed the hotel

The owners of the Penhallow Hotel in Newquay are to be prosecuted for offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.

Three people died in a fire at the hotel on 18 August 2007 in what was the most serious hotel fire in the UK for 30 years. More than 80 people managed to escape, but the hotel was destroyed.

Cornwall County Council said that summonses had been served on the owners and three employees “following a comprehensive investigation into the fire precautions” at the hotel.

Last year an inquest into the deaths delivered an open verdict after hearing more than three weeks of evidence. Although there was evidence that the fire started from a naked flame, investigators were unable to say for certain how it began.

The defendants are due to appear at Bodmin Magistrates Court on 21 October.