Salzburg finds few defects in checks of 189 night venues

Authorities found only minor problems in most of Salzburg’s 189 night venues during inspections of fire safety and escape routes following a fatal nightclub fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ORF reports.

Experts from the state inspected 113 venues in Pinzgau, 28 in the city of Salzburg, 23 in Pongau and 25 in other districts. The fire at the Swiss nightclub on New Year’s Eve killed 41 people.

Some venues had serious shortcomings, including problems with escape routes and structural fire protection, said Marlene Svazek, the deputy governor responsible for the matter. In one venue, doors opened against the direction of escape. Another had to submit a renovation plan covering its ventilation system and emergency exit door.

Inspectors also found inadequate fire compartment separation between an event venue and adjoining apartments. Svazek said all the problems could be remedied and urged venue operators to take responsibility alongside complying with official checks.