Adelphi Hotel probes near prosecution decision

Liverpool Council investigates two incidents at the Adelphi Hotel as a prosecution decision approaches.

Adelphi Hotel probes near prosecution decision

Two serious incidents at the Adelphi Hotel have prompted formal investigations by Liverpool City Council. In September 2022, Chloe Haynes, 21, died after a wardrobe crushed her in a hotel room. The Environmental Health department opened an inquiry that could lead to criminal charges against the hotel’s owners.

Separately, a cabinet toppled and struck three year old Valencia Verdin, injuring her head. Her mother, Danielle Kenny, described the moment and said safety checks were ordered after the incident. The cabinet was seized by Environmental Health officials for further examination, and the hotel was told to inspect all rooms for similar furniture.

Efforts to obtain responses from Britannia Hotels have so far been unsuccessful.

The two cases expose how safety standards still challenge historic buildings. When a landmark hotel faces potential criminal scrutiny, it forces a reckoning for owners, regulators, and guests. If prosecutions proceed, it could set a benchmark for hospitality safety in cities where heritage venues remain popular with visitors.

Public confidence is at stake. The investigations depend on documents and inspections rather than headlines. The pace and transparency of the process will shape trust in local governance and in the broader hospitality industry.

Highlights

Public safety deserves clear, timely answers from hotel operators.