Lynn eatery to reopen

LYNN – Christina’s at 55 Boston St. will reportedly open their doors to customers July 4 after undergoing alterations.The eatery was shut down in April by the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) under a cease and desist order for operating without a required sprinkler system.After changing ownership earlier in the year, the restaurant will now operate as a buffet style with occupancy of 97 people including employees.With the reduction in occupancy under 100 people, the restaurant is waived the requirement for sprinklers, which would have cost a reported $16,000 to install.Roger Ennis, chief building inspector for ISD, said the entertainment stage in the eatery has been removed, planters have been installed, and the back area of the building is being designated for storage, all significantly reducing the square footage.”I approved the plan so that it qualifies as a use for a restaurant without an entertainment area,” he said. “The permit for construction was approved and I accepted the alterations.”The sprinkler requirement was enacted following the deadly Rhode Island nightclub fire in 2003, which claimed 100 lives and injured 200 more.Clubs with occupancy over 100 people are required to have sprinklers.The previous owners of the eatery operated at over 200 capacity before the sprinkler law was enacted.