(1)If, during the currency of an exemption granted under section 5A of this Act for any premises, it is intended to carry out in relation to those premises any proposals to which this section applies, the occupier shall, before the carrying out of the proposals is begun, give notice of the proposals to the [F2fire authority [F2fire and rescue authority]]; and if the carrying out of the proposals is begun without such notice having been given, the occupier shall be guilty of an offence.
(2)This section applies to the following proposals, namely, any proposal—
(a)to make—
(i)an extension of, or structural alteration to, the premises which would affect the means of escape from the premises; or
(ii)an alteration in the internal arrangrement of the premises, or in the furniture or equipment with which the premises are provided, which would affect the means of escape from the premises; or
(b)on the part of the occupier, to begin to keep explosive or highly flammable materials of any prescribed kind anywhere under, in or on the building which constitutes or comprises the premises in a quantity or aggregate quantity greater than the quantity prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph as the maximum in relation to materials of that kind; or
(c)in a case where the notice of exemption under section 5A of this Act includes a statement under subsection (8) of that section, to make such a use of the premises as will involve there being in the premises at any one time a greater number of persons in relation to whom the statement applies than is specified or treated as specified in the statement.
(3)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) above shall be liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;
(b)on conviction on indictment, to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.]
Textual Amendments
F1S. 8A inserted by Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987 (c. 27, SIF 50), ss. 2(1), 50(2)
F2Words in s. 8A(1) substituted (E.W.) (1.10.2004 except in relation to W., 10.11.2004 for W.) by Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (c. 21), s. 61, Sch. 1 para. 28(1)(2)(i); S.I. 2004/2304, art. 2, S.I.2004/2917, art. 2