October 5, 2025
Wheat v E Lacon & Co Ltd [1966] UKHL 1
A paying guest died after falling down an unlit staircase in a pub's private quarters. The House of Lords established that 'occupation' under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 relates to control, and that multiple parties (here, the brewery and manager) can be concurrent occupiers. Facts The respondents, E. Lacon & Co. Ltd., a brewery company, owned a public house, ‘The Golfer’s Arms’. They entered into a service agreement with Mr. Richardson to manage the pub. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson occupied a private flat on the first floor but were not tenants. The agreement permitted them to take in paying guests.
