Every bar and nightclub in Columbia is required to comply with the 2015 International Fire Code (IFC), adopted by the City of Columbia.
All bars and nightclubs shall have an occupancy load.
The occupancy load allowance is based on occupant egress and other life safety factors. An occupancy load exceeding the posted maximum occupant load for an individual room or building shall be considered an unsafe condition and will be addressed by immediately reducing the number of occupants in the room or building, and may result in additional measures including the issuance of a citation or closure of the business. Grossly disregard for the fire code may result in closure until owner or operator provides the fire department a plan to eliminate overcrowding and attend a training seminar.
Each establishment is responsible for keeping a count of the number of patrons entering and leaving the establishment. If that count cannot be produced or the count is not accurate, the establishment may be subject to immediate action at the discretion of the Fire Marshal.
According to the IFC, every room that is an assembly occupancy shall have the occupant load of the room or space posted in a conspicuous place, near the main exit or exit access doorway. Posted signs shall approved by the City Fire Marshal.
According to the IFC, every bar and nightclub is required to have a fire safety and evacuation plan
The fire evacuation plan must include emergency egress or escape routes
It must contain procedures for accounting for employees and occupants after evacuation has been completed
The plan must include a description of the emergency voice/alarm communication system alert tone and preprogrammed voice messages, where provided if applicable.
The fire safety plan must include the procedure for reporting a fire or other emergency.
It must include a floor plan identifying the exits, evacuation routes, egress routes, areas of refuge, exterior areas for assisted rescue, manual fire alarm boxes, portable fire extinguishers and fire alarm annunciators or controls.
Common hazards in bars and nightclubs….
The following are hazards commonly found during inspections of Columbia bars and nightclubs
• Blocked exits are a constant problem
• No exit sign; exit lights out
• Doors locked during hours of occupancy
• Overcrowded
• No occupant load sign posted
• Tables in exit paths
• Fire extinguishers not present or not serviced
• Candles on tables in unsafe holders
• Extension cords or other electrical problems
• Draperies placed over exit doors/exit door painted similar to adjacent walls
• Decorations, draperies not fire retardant treated
• Lack of panic hardware and/or door hard to open
• No emergency lighting
• Locks and latches on exit doors
• Painted sprinkler heads
• Lack of visible address
• Kerosene heaters used
The Columbia Fire Department fire prevention staff is always willing to work with owners and managers to ensure theses violations do not occur. However, they will take immediate corrective action when necessary. To schedule your annual inspection, please call (803) 545-3701 during regular business hours.
