Club Fined $750 for Chaining a Required Exit
February 05, 2010
An Edmonton pub has been fined for locking a fire exit.
The owner of J.D.’s Polar Pub pleaded guilty of the offence in provincial court on January 26 and was fined $750.
On October 2, 2008, a fire prevention officer found one of the pub’s exits chained and locked during a Public Safety Compliance Team (PSCT) inspection. Firefighters had to cut off the lock after it was discovered that no one on duty had keys for it.
“This situation posed a real threat to occupants of this building,” said Ron Jeske, Fire Marshal, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services. “During an emergency, it is absolutely vital that occupants of an establishment can easily and safely evacuate.”
Jeske says that in 2009, the PSCT conducted 148 scheduled and unscheduled inspections of bars and nightclubs, as well as 151 Operational Night Patrols, but only two charges were laid for non-compliance with fire codes.
“Most owners or operators of nightclubs and bars in Edmonton run their businesses responsibly and make a real effort to protect their customer by complying with the fire codes.”
Owners or operators are responsible to ensure all exits are accessible and operable at all times to protect the lives and safety of occupants during an emergency.
Businesses can be fined up to $15,000 for the first offence and up to $30,000 for second and subsequent offences. The convictions and fine amounts are decided by the Provincial Court.
The Public Safety Compliance Team works directly with owners and operators of licensed facilities and events to ensure a safe environment for patrons and staff. PSCT is made up of the Edmonton Police Service, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission and the City of Edmonton Community Standards Branch. PSCT members provide preventive and educational advice and promote responsible management practices.
For more information:
Tim Wilson
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services
| Title | Public Information Officer |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 780-496-3600 |
Marianne Skippings
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services
Fire Prevention Office
| Title | Captain, Fire Prevention Officer |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 780-496-3628 |
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