Lynn clubs complying with state sprinkler law

LYNN – Progress has been made at two nightclubs ordered to shut down in November and three others that were in danger of the same fate for failure to install automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with state law.Lynn Fire Capt. Robert Bourke said all of the clubs that were originally under fire for non-compliance are now cooperating with the law.Celley’s Pub at 742 Western Ave., and the Blue Note Lounge at 111 Sagamore St. have fully installed sprinkler systems, while Café El Caney at 64 Baldwin St., Sori’s Restaurant at 48 Market St., and Fenix at 517 Washington St., still remain in the process of completing their systems.”To be honest, everything worked out and all of the clubs are fulfilling their obligations,” Bourke said. “We do, however, feel that everyone has been given an adequate length of time, so if we notice any foot dragging, we will discontinue their extensions.”Passed in the wake of The Station nightclub fire in 2003 that killed 100 people and injured 200 more in West Warwick, R.I., the law requires any club with occupancy of 100 or more to install sprinklers.Since then, local fire departments have been assigned the task of identifying establishments in their communities that must install sprinklers.Bourke said Christina’s at 55 Boston St. has changed ownership and is now a buffet style restaurant with occupancy under 100 people.Because of the change, the eatery is no longer required to install a sprinkler system.”They really reconfigured the layout and are not legitimately required to install sprinklers,” he said. “Some places in Boston tried to do the same thing with a huge place like 3,000 square feet and say only 100 people would be allowed, but you can’t do that. You have to physically change the layout and Christina’s did that.”Bourke said part of the reason for the delay in the clubs’ installations is due to the fact that only one contractor was working on all of the projects at the same time.”We didn’t hold that against the clubs because the contractor couldn’t physically get to all of them at once,” he said. “But as long as there is progress being made, everything will move right along.”As of today, the piping at Sori’s has been installed and will soon be hooked up to a water line, Fenix continues to undergo a complete renovation along with the sprinkler hookup, and Café El Caney has a partially installed system.”El Caney was closed before, but we allowed it to reopen with a reduced occupancy below 100 in the meantime and they have new ownership,” he said. “Another one, Raffi’s Place (408 Summer St.) rebuilt and reopened after they burned down and are in full compliance with the law.”