Hotel Charles Owner Cited for Fire Code Violation of Nightclub

 

          HUGHESVILLE, MD (January 30, 2006) --  Deputy State Fire Marshals charged a Charles County nightclub owner today by criminal summons with reckless endangerment in connection with an overcrowding situation in his establishment on January 19, 2006.  Jeffrey Dale Thomas, age 38, owner of “Hotel Charles” in the 15100 block of Burnt Store Road in Hughesville, Charles County is scheduled for a preliminary inquiry in District Court on February 27, 2006.

 

As a result of a February 20, 2003 fire at “The Station” Nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island that killed 100 persons and left more than 200 injured, the State of Maryland in August of 2004 adopted a provision as part of its State Fire Prevention Code to limit the total number of occupants in a nightclub occupancy to 100 persons unless a complete automatic fire sprinkler system was provided.  An inspection of the two-story “Hotel Charles” in late 2004 revealed the first floor contained a nightclub area with an attached bar while the second floor had residential apartments with both floors sharing a common entrance and an open staircase.  Additionally, the building lacked automatic fire sprinkler protection.  It was during this inspection of the “Hotel Charles” that Thomas was first ordered to comply with this provision of the Fire Prevention Code.   Subsequent notices and inspections during 2005 reaffirmed the 100-person limit.

 

            Information developed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal revealed a concert scheduled for January 19, 2006 was planned and as many as 300 tickets had been sold for the evening program.  Deputy State Fire Marshals arrived at the venue at approximately 9:30 p.m. and discovered that there were over 30 persons in the bar area along with at least 125 persons in the adjacent nightclub area.  Mr. Thomas was ordered to take steps to reduce the number of occupants to the legal limit.  Deputy State Fire Marshals remained at the facility to ensure compliance with the order.

 

            If convicted, Thomas could face up to five years imprisonment and fines up to $5,000.  “Enforcement of Maryland’s fire laws and codes  is an important tool in helping ensure the safety  of our citizens in public buildings,” said State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard.  “Fires in overcrowded buildings without adequate fire protection systems have led to some of America’s worst catastrophes.  We will continue to fairly but firmly apply the provisions of the State Fire Prevention Code.”