diff --git a/src/aare/devices/bec_worker.py b/src/aare/devices/bec_worker.py
index c6224d92..7b017c90 100644
--- a/src/aare/devices/bec_worker.py
+++ b/src/aare/devices/bec_worker.py
@@ -98,9 +98,7 @@ class BECClientWorker:
                 self.__init_beamline_environment()
             except Exception as e:
                 logger.error(f"Error initialising BEC devices: {e}")
-                # raise self._raise_bec_error(e, operation="create planner")
-                self.simulated = True
-
+                exit(1)
         logger.debug(f"simulated is {self.simulated}")
 
     def __init_beamline_environment(self):