08/26/2026
This is going to be a long post just to put everything out there while we try to figure things out. I know it’s very unorthodox for business owners to put everything out there but I’m an open book and will always operate as such.
I still don’t have an update for anyone at this point. I have more questions than answers and tried multiple times yesterday to get a hold of the person needed to get these questions answered. I will try again today
As far as the meeting with the Fire Marshal on monday: (This isn’t to hurt anyone or to scare anyone it is simply the conversation that was had)
He stated that no one called, that we were on his list to visit and was 10 minutes away and decided to pop in. He stated that he has a list of places he’s working on seeing and decided to knock ours off this list. Since he knew I did not intentionally do this intentionally and was given bad advice, he’s willing to reduce the fine to $5k. He stated he spoke with my ex business partner and told her what we needed to do. He gave me her name. Whether he did or didn’t, I do not know. I wasn’t part of that conversation and was not made aware of it till Monday. I was told from her that we had everything needed since we were in the county. I was not aware of a permit to do business, that is not the expertise that I brought to the table in this partnership. As far as fire code goes: Liberty County works off of the NFPA Code 2021 version. They have not adopted the 2024 or 2026 version as of yet. They do not go off the IFC code. IFC would require a Type A-2 Bar over 100 to have the Fire Sprinkler System. NFPA say for Bar restaurants an assembly for entertainment (Assembly by definition is 50 or more people for worship entertainment eating) we must have one. He stated in the meeting there is no such thing as grandfathering. In email while trying to get some clarification afterwards on Monday, He stated all new bars have to have them and why Harris County is different (they operate under IFC rules). My response was Ok existing bars don’t need them? He stated yes they should. Ive attached what he sent me for clarification on this. This states New Assembly Occupancies. So honestly i don’t know who is or isn’t required to have one. I know of several doing google searches since this has happened and you have to specify NFPA code version 2021 for it to bring up the correct information. Google automatically brings up IFC code but it also states to speak with the Fire Marshal.
I believe knowledge is power and do not want anyone to be in the position we are in right now by obtaining this information 11 months down the road. If you are looking at opening anything in Liberty County my advice would be to contact the Fire Marshal to find out if your establishment would require one so that you can budget accordingly. They are not cheap and just because it’s a preexisting building does not mean you won’t have to have one.
