An investigation by Havering Council led to a company being ordered to pay £25,000 in fines and costs for selling ‘pre-lit’ Christmas trees which proved to be unsafe.
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Premier Decorations Ltd pleaded guilty at Romford Magistrates Court on Thursday 27 June after selling and supplying the faulty trees, which when tested by the Council and the London Fire Brigade were found to pose significant risks to the public.
In total, five trees were tested and all failed to meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994.
Havering Council Leader, Councillor Michael White, said:
“Buying the family Christmas tree is a special moment as it marks the start of the festive season and the goodwill that follows it.
“We will not tolerate any businesses putting our residents at risk.”
The investigation was launched following a tip-off from the London Fire Brigade.
London Fire Brigade’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety Regulation, Mark Andrews said:
“Our fire investigation team, supported by the brigade’s scientific advisors Bureau Veritas, worked closely with Havering trading standards’ officers to secure this successful prosecution. The case should send out a clear message to business owners and manufacturers that they face serious penalties if they sell faulty or counterfeit merchandise.”
Premier Decorations Ltd, which has a head office in Ruislip, Middlesex, was found guilty on five counts at Romford Magistrates Court on Thursday 27 June 2013.
Premier Decorations Ltd was fined £25,000 including costs and these breakdowns as follows:
- £3,000 fine for each count, totalling £15,000,
- £9,903 in costs
- £120 victim surcharge
