LTC 296-2024 Fire Department- Night InspectionsMIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO.LTC #LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City
Commission
FROM:
DATE:
Rickelle Williams, Interim City Manager
July 16,2024
SUBJECT:Fire Department-Night Inspections
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (L TC)is to share with the Mayor and
Commission that effective July 12,2024,the Fire Department has increased the frequency
of night inspections.The Fire Department's commitment to public safety will be augmented
by enhanced staffing to conduct inspections of all nightclubs,bars,and lounges as
authorized via Section 50-11 of the City Code.
Nightclubs often pose significant fire and life safety challenges due to factors such as loud
music,limited lighting,fog machines,alcohol consumption,crowding,and the use of
pyrotechnics and other special effects by promoters.The primary objective of night
inspections is to ensure that establishments do not exceed their maximum occupant load
and that all emergency exits are clear and accessible.These inspections are part of the
Fire Department's ongoing effort to maintain the highest standards of safety in Miami
Beach's nightlife venues.The Fire Department will continue to conduct random inspections
focusing on common violations,including but not limited to:
•Overcrowding or blocked exits
•No malfunctioning exit lights
•Painted sprinkler heads
•Absence of occupant load signs
•Pyrotechnic
•Improper use of extension cords
•Draperies over exit doors
•Tables and chairs obstructing exit
pathway
•Lack of panic hardware or difficult-to-
open doors
•No emergency lighting
In order to address these challenges,the Fire Department has implemented the following
measures:
Monitoring Special and Nightclub Events:Assessing the impact of city-permitted events
on public safety.
Coordination for High Activity Weekends:In preparation for high activity periods,such
as Labor Day and Columbus Day weekends,representatives from the Code,Fire,and
Police departments will coordinate to ensure that planning and resources are appropriately
allocated.
Ongoing Community Contact:Building and maintaining relationships with nightclub and
hotel owners to ensure compliance and cooperation.
296-2024
Weekend 1-Night Inspection Summary -July 12-14,2024
During the weekend of July 12-14,2024,a two-person Fire Inspector team conducted night
inspections from 10:00 p.m.to 4:00 a.m.each night.Several safety violations were
identified and addressed.
Nightclub Inspections
Open (normal business hours during time of inspection)52
Closed (non-business hours during time of inspection)52
Pass (no violations found)46
Warning 5
-Friday:Exchange,Tokyo Sushi,Mila
-Sunday:Madonna,Ocean's 10
Notice of Violation (NOV)2
-Friday:Exchange
-Saturday:Villa Azul
Ticket (fine was issued to business)1
-Saturdav:Villa Azul
I value your continued support as we serve Miami Beach residents,businesses,visitors
with distinction and integrity while promoting a culture of service excellence.
Should you have any questions,please feel free to contact Fire Chief Digna Abello.