Firefighter bar without sprinkler system subject of controversy
Boston Herald photo by Mike Adaskaveg
A firefighter run American Legion Post bar is the focus of a Boston Herald story. The paper is trying to learn if the South Boston establishment received special treatment in being able to avoid installing a sprinkler system. Neighbors were already upset the bar received a liquor license and had been the subject of police raids. Here are excerpts from the story by Jessica Van Sack:
The order to put in sprinklers was part of a new state law to combat fire hazards at high-capacity nightclubs and bars.
The Michael J. Perkins American Legion Post convinced city inspectors its two-story facility was three separate units: a function hall, dance school and “members-only club.”
The club was really an illegal basement bar that the Herald disclosed yesterday had been cited twice by police.
Nevertheless, Boston Fire Chief David Joseph in December informed Post Commander William Miller, a Boston fire lieutenant, that the BFD would waive the sprinkler requirement.
The waiver contributed to neighbors’ suspicions that the facility was getting special treatment.
“How can firefighters exempt themselves from the sprinkler law they’re supposed to enforce?” said one neighbor, who asked for anonymity, fearing retaliation.
Added another neighbor, who also asked to remain anonymous: “I’m concerned there could be another Station nightclub-type fire, and my property and my familiy is being placed directly at risk.”
Fire Department spokesman Steve MacDonald denied that the Post got special treatment, saying it was one of many establishments that found lawful ways to waive the sprinkler requirement.
Records show the Perkins Post was cited in October 2005 for a spate of fire code violations that have since been corrected. The drop-down fire escape blocked an exit to the basement bar. There was no fire-detection system in the building. Extinguishers had long been neglected.
