Safety inspections in bars, clubs, discos and restaurants across Czechia

Safety inspections in bars, clubs, discos and restaurants around the country start on Monday and will run until August, the Czech News Agency reported. The inspections were ordered by the interior minister in response to the tragic fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Firefighters will focus on escape routes, the condition of fire extinguishers and compliance with capacity limits. Bars, clubs and discotheques will be inspected during normal operating hours.

Czechia has just marked one year since the deadly fire at the U Kojota restaurant in Most. Six people died at the scene, and a woman later succumbed to her injuries two days afterward. Following the tragedy, firefighters inspected more than 1,700 establishments, including outdoor seating areas. Deficiencies were found in nearly 700 of them resulting in fines totalling 1.25 million crowns. The most common violations included using buildings for purposes other than those approved in occupancy permits, missing mandatory documentation, and a lack of preventive fire inspections.