City Government

Two Nightclubs, Restaurant Fined for Breaking Fire Code

March 10, 2010

Two Edmonton nightclubs and one restaurant have been fined for failing to comply with Alberta fire code regulations.

Fire prevention officers found the Edmonton Event Centre nightclub and The Bank nightclub had violated fire code regulations during inspections conducted by the Public Safety Compliance Team (PSCT) in the first half of 2009. Prevention officers also found a number of safety hazards at Mirama restaurant during a routine inspection last summer. All three businesses received a fine after pleading guilty in Provincial Court during separate court appearances in February 2010.

“We routinely conduct inspections of such establishments to protect Edmonton citizens,” said Ron Jeske, Fire Marshal with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services. “Together, the Compliance Team and fire prevention officers did almost three hundred inspections in 2009, and I’m happy to report that we found only a handful of businesses had violated fire codes. This shows the industry is working to keep their patrons safe and that this is a priority for them.”

Details:

West Edmonton Mall Property Inc. received a $3,000 fine for failing to post an occupancy load card in The Event Centre nightclub.
1144713 Alberta Ltd. was fined $6,500 for exceeding The Bank’s posted occupant load of 194 by 35 per cent. In 2006, the business received a warning for exceeding the posted occupant load and was fined $4,000 after a second violation in 2007.
Mirama restaurant was fined a total of $5,250 for multiple infractions including:

locking fire exits
obstructing fire exits with storage
failing to have appropriate locks on a fire exit
removing several steps from the base of the second floor exit
storing a propane cylinder inside the premises

The Public Safety Compliance Team works with owners and operators of licensed facilities and events to ensure a safe environment for patrons and staff. The team includes representatives of the Edmonton Police Service, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission and the City of Edmonton Community Standards Branch. Members also work with the hospitality industry to educate business owners and operators about responsible management practices.

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services Fire Prevention employees work to reduce the number of fires that occur in Edmonton through fire code compliance inspections, plans examination and public education.

For more information:

Marianne Skippings

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services
Fire Prevention Office

Title	Captain, Fire Prevention Officer
Telephone	780-496-3628