SAN ANTONIO — Two San Antonio nightclubs are facing closure this weekend after the City of San Antonio denied their requests for more time to comply with fire sprinkler requirements, while five other venues continue making progress under agreements reached earlier this year.
The Bonham Exchange and Club 727 must close at 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, when their Temporary Certificates of Occupancy expire, unless they meet the city's fire safety requirements.
The update comes nearly six months after the city gave seven nightclubs additional time to install fire sprinkler systems or make other required life-safety improvements.
According to a memo released Wednesday by Assistant City Manager Lori Houston, two venues — The Heat and Industry — have completed all required work and are now in full compliance. Four others — Paper Tiger, Soundcheck/Nuevo Volcán, I-10 Icehouse, and Club 727 — remain in various stages of permitting and inspections.
The memo also states that The Bonham Exchange has not yet applied for the required permits needed to install its sprinkler system.
City denies extension requests
City officials confirmed they denied extension requests submitted by both Club 727 and the Bonham Exchange.
"The City has denied extension requests from Club 727 and the Bonham Exchange," the memo states. "Their Temporary Certificates of Occupancy expire August 1."
City officials say requiring the clubs to close while construction is completed is intended to speed up the process.
"Closing during construction will allow the required fire-protection work to be completed more quickly so both establishments can reopen at full occupancy."
The city also pledged to move quickly once construction is complete.
"We will expedite all necessary reviews, permits and inspections. Once each sprinkler system is installed and passes inspection, the City will promptly issue permanent Certificates of Occupancy so the Bonham Exchange and Club 727 can resume operations."
Mayor previously pledged to help fundraise
The latest development comes months after Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones told FOX San Antonio she would help raise money for the Bonham Exchange to help the historic downtown nightclub meet the new requirements.
When asked this week about that commitment, the mayor's office provided a written statement saying the mayor fulfilled that promise in a different way.
"The mayor kept her promise to the Bonham Exchange by arranging for them to receive several potential business solutions, not only to install the legally required sprinkler systems the Bonham has needed, but options that would also put the Bonham on a path to become financially sustainable and open for the long-term."
The statement continued:
"The mayor understands the Bonham chose not to explore those potential business solutions further and respects their decision."
City's priority: Public safety
In the memo, city officials emphasized that the enforcement effort is focused on public safety.
"The City's priority is protecting patrons, employees, residents and first responders."
The city says it will continue working with venues still completing construction and inspections so they can reopen or remain open in compliance with city fire codes.
Current status of the seven clubs
The Heat — Fully compliant.
Industry — Fully compliant.
Paper Tiger — Working through permitting and inspections.
Soundcheck/Nuevo Volcán — Working through permitting and inspections.
I-10 Icehouse — Working through permitting and inspections.
Club 727 — Extension denied; must comply before its temporary certificate expires at 11:59 p.m. Saturday.
Bonham Exchange — Has not applied for required fire protection permits; extension denied; must comply before its temporary certificate expires at 11:59 p.m. Saturday.
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