If we can achieve compliance by selling the customer on why it is in THEIR best interest to comply, then we really have accomplished something. The people we serve should be reminded frequently that we are not here for ourselves, we are here from them and the people that occupy their facility, including our firefighters (shoudl they ever gave a fire).

Writing citations forces compliance, but the delay of a court date also allows the violstion to remain until it is adjudicated, so what have we accomplished? I say we sell fire safety and fire prevention and leave the citations as a very last resort.

But, that’s about to change in the State of Connecticut.

Thanks to the newly adopted PA 08-65. Fire Inspectors are now able to issue a monetary citation for code violations. This process , in my opinion is much needed. It enables us to have a stronger presence when dealing with permitees of nightclubs.

How about the nightclub manager that actually has to check his club on a daily basis before he allows hundreds of occupants to enter the business.

Are the means of egress unlocked?? are they clear of empty cases of beer bottles? Is the Occupancy level below the legal amount allowed by the AHJ?

I believe that the Inspectors will always use better judgement and common sense when dealing with the public and citations.

However Inspectors should take a no nonsense 100% approach when dealing with establishments that have the responsibility of the publics safety when conducting business.

If the owner of a nightclub starts to get letters notifying them that the bar manager is not doing his job to protect the nightclubs patrons they might do something.

But if the permitee is notified that the establishment is routinely violating state fire codes and that the liqour permit could be in jeopardy because of it , you might just see a much safer nightclub environment.

Damaged Extension cords are no problem for me I just disconnect them and cut off the ends with the owner present. No worries …

In the end its about the money. All business owners are fully aware of the State Fire Code requirements and some are willing to risk lives to make a few more bucks.

So go forth and write violations as needed , we have plenty of tragic history to back it up without feeling uneasy .

PS – a local nightclub in my city recently placed an ad in Hartfords magazines 5th anniversary issue stating…
” we have more Hotties and Bodies than we can count”…

Guess what , were counting and they better be alive.