September 26, 2018
An Edmonton bar has been convicted and fined for overcrowding under the Alberta Fire Code and Alberta Safety Codes Act.
On September 17, 2018, O2 Whyte Partnership pleaded guilty to overcrowding and received a $4,000 fine as well as a $600 victim surcharge fine from the Alberta Provincial Court. The charges are related to overcrowding during an inspection on an Oilers playoff night on April 14, 2017, at O2’s Taphouse, located at 8217 104 Street.
“Maximum occupant loads are established under the Alberta Fire Code to help business owners operate safely and protect Edmontonians from potential risk,” said Gary Mayorchak, Fire Marshal. “Fire Prevention Officers set the maximum occupant loads after taking into account the amount of floor space as well as the number, location and size of fire exits. Our goal is to ensure timely evacuation for both staff and patrons in the event of an emergency.”
Businesses can be fined up to $100,000 for a first overcrowding offence, and up to $500,000 for subsequent violations. The Alberta Provincial Court determines the amount of the fine. O2’s is the third venue convicted of overcrowding in Edmonton in 2018.
After EFRS sets occupant loads, they are monitored by the Edmonton Police Service, the Public Safety Compliance Team and Fire Safety Codes Officers during routine inspections.
