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This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by editorial page staff and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers

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Friday, April 22, 2011

Examine Necessity for Costly Sprinkler Rule



          A city ordinance requiring automatic fire sprinkler systems is giving some eatery owners a severe case of indigestion, so bad in fact that some say it may force them to close.
        In 2005, in the wake of a Rhode Island nightclub fire where the band was using fireworks indoors, the Albuquerque City Council approved an upgraded fire code that requires banquet halls, nightclubs, restaurants, taverns and bars that exceed 5,000 square feet, have an occupancy load of 300 or more, or are two or more stories to install automatic sprinklers.
        If restaurant fatality fires in Albuquerque are any indication, this was a drastic but all too typical overreaction.
        Safety is a top priority, of course, but restaurants already have fire suppression systems where a fire is most likely to start — in their kitchens. Nightclubs and bars may pose different risks, and sprinkler systems in those places might make more sense.
        When the ordinance was approved, the restaurant association was told a retrofit would cost $25,000, but some have found it's more like $60,000 to $100,000. Retrofitting the Frontier, a popular university-area eatery, cost almost $100,000. That's a lot of money for something that doesn't add space or improve the ambience of a business.
        As it now stands, pre-existing restaurants have until July to submit retrofit plans and July 2012 to have the work done. So far, only five have complied.
        The Albuquerque Fire Department, the Economic Development Department and the mayor are reviewing the ordinance, looking for a solution that ensures public safety while saving local businesses from unneeded expenses. The City Council also is engaged, having recently voted to delay implementation. It needs to be part of the process.
        If they are successful, that could be a recipe everyone could appreciate.
       

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