Fire safety checks reveal serious lapses in Czech nightlife venues

Initial results from fire safety inspections of clubs, bars, discos and other nightlife venues across the Czech Republic have revealed alarming shortcomings, according to the Fire Rescue Service. Its chief Vladimír Vlček told Czech Television that among the most serious findings were missing or blocked emergency exits in a number of inspected premises.

The extraordinary inspections were launched at the start of the year following a deadly New Year fire at a bar in the Swiss mountain resort of Crans-Montana.

Authorities plan to carry out 770 inspections nationwide. So far, 410 have begun and 133 have been completed. Vlček said nearly 1,200 safety violations have already been uncovered.