06/01/2009 - B&B fire rules 'must be balanced'
Bed-and-breakfast operators in Scotland will not have to follow new fire regulations after the Scottish Government put the changes on hold as many establishments are already struggling to implement the existing rules, a tourist chief has said.
However, operators in England and Wales will have to comply with regulations set by the UK Government to ensure accommodation for guests meets stringent requirements.
David Weston, chief executive of the Bed and Breakfast Association, said the move was unfair and instead argued there must be "a level playing field" so that B&Bs are not forced to close down due to the costs of installing fire equipment.
In 2006 regulations included small premises such as family homes that were used as visitor accommodation, or student lodgings, for the first time, but many have struggled financing the changes.
Mr Weston said: "Many small B&Bs have already closed rather than substantially alter their family homes or spend a five-figure sum.
"We call on the Westminster Government to take action to put England and Wales on a level playing-field."
One B&B owner in Wales was quoted £15,000 to fit the relevant alarms and fire doors and had "no choice but to close".
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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