table decoration or candle?

Went on our staff christmas do tonight to one of the chains of pub/restaurants.The meal was awful but very cheap. Somehow I dont expect too much from these sort of occassions so I wasnt disappointed.
These tea lights were on the table so one of our party decided to light them. Within seconds one of the staff descended on us and told us to put them out because they would set off the fire alarms. SO WHY PUT THEM THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE!