The joint owner of a Chinese takeaway has paid more than £11,000 after breaching fire safety legislation.

Onn Yan Lai, joint proprietor of the Kings Chinese takeaway in Thatcham, pleaded guilty to 12 offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 at Reading Magistrates Court on 1 February.

Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) brought the charges following an inspection of the restaurant by fire safety officers in July 2010. At the time of the inspection, the premises was used as a Chinese takeaway and also included sleeping accommodation for staff.

Breaches included no fire risk assessment in place; inadequate fire protection for and obstruction of escape routes; no adequate fire alarm system; a failure to take adequate fire safety precautions to protect staff and members of the public; inadequate fire evacuation training for staff; and a failure to maintain firefighting equipment.

The court heard that the breaches presented a serious and life-threatening risk to the staff who worked there and to members of the public who visited the premises.

According to RBFA, District Judge Matthews said the breaches should attract a very significant level of fine, but that she was obliged to consider the defendant’s mitigation regarding his current financial position.

Mr Lai was awarded credit for his early guilty plea and his previous good character, which was reflected in a lower level of fines. He was ordered to pay fines totalling £5,750 and costs of £5,469.50.