City Forces Feve to Close its Doors Over the Weekend

Fire Code Violations Halt Business at Feve

Disconsolate drinkers were left seeking alternative means of entertainment last weekend as the Feve's second floor bar closed its doors due to fire code violations. Fire inspectors entered the bar Thursday evening to investigate an overcrowding problem reported to them by a customer. The lack of an occupancy permit as well as the lack of a second means of exit from upstairs constituted the bar's two chief violations.

The Feve's second floor once had two means of exit, but had to abandon the second escape leading from upstairs into the parking lot when it constructed a cooling building. What was left was a door that led to nowhere. "The key violation was the lack of an appropriate means of egress," said Oberlin Fire Chief Dennis Kirin. City Manager Rob DiSpirito also cited the lack of a fire exit sign and the door opening into the stairwell as other minor safety hazards. "It was a clear and present issue, especially with there being three times as many people there," DiSpirito said.

Feve owner Jason Adelman said the inspections had nothing to do with the Feve's recent implementation of a hard bar. Since the inspection Thursday evening, a staircase has been constructed leading from the bar down to the parking lot pavement. Adelman said he knew a staircase had to be installed and that the inspectors in no way acted unfairly. "They did their job. It sucked, but I was the one at fault," he said. DiSpirito said that fire inspections in businesses were necessary, especially upon the recommendation of a concerned bar patron. "It's nothing the city takes any pleasure in doing, but this case was just so extreme," he said. He asserted that the Feve must obtain a certificate of occupancy before commencing with business once again. Adelman assured this would be done prior to re-opening the bar.

Kirin affirmed that the Feve's major fire safety violations had been rectified. He said, "It's rare that the department needs to close a business down, but when the safety of the occupants is in question it has to be done." However, Kirin praised Adelman for his expedience in repairing the violations, referring to him as "extremely cooperative." "The Feve hurried and got it done the right way," he added. Adelman conceded that the empty bar throughout the weekend translated into substantial monetary losses. "It hurts pretty badly," he said. "[The bar] is a significant portion of our income," he added. Junior Cate Conmy was one person left disappointed with the unexpected closing of the Feve's bar. "It was my 21st birthday, my chance to be a legal eagle," she said. Conmy said the Feve's closing disrupted her intention to entertain a small gathering of friends there. "It put a damper on my plans," she said.

Adelman's one point of contention with the city fire code concerns his desire to host live entertainment in the bar. He said Kirin informed him that sprinkler safety systems were necessary in order for live entertainment to perform. However, Adelman pointed to the 'Sco and Allen Art Museum as locales on campus that consistently host live entertainment without sprinkler systems. "I hope we can work together," he said.

Kirin sounded doubtful about the Feve's prospect of being granted permission to host entertainment without the installation of a sprinkler system. He said most areas hosting entertainment are on the first floor, allowing for immediate exit without the possibility of blockade in the stairwell. Kirin noted that the bar's current permit allows for a sit-down area equipped with a bar, but not for live entertainment.

Adelman hopes to complete the renovation of the second floor by adding a burrito bar, which he had expected would already be functioning by now. "This was a major setback in terms of time and energy," Adelman said of the fire code violations. He hopes to have the burrito bar ready in one month. DiSpirito seemed positive regarding the Feve's cooperation with city regulations. "They run a good operation and we hope they can keep it safe," he said. Kirin said, "Their quickness says it all. The owners gave 100 percent and we give them credit for that."

BYOB: Drinkers turned away due to Feve fire code violations. (photo by Amanda Huhn)