Hollywood Nightclub Accused Of Overcrowding, Fire Risks Following Brazil Tragedy
HOLLYWOOD (CBS/AP) —Three people affiliated with a Hollywood club have been charged with violating fire codes and allowing overcrowding that put lives in danger in the wake of a nightclub fire in Brazil that left 235 people dead.
The Los Angeles City Attorney's office said Friday that the 17 misdemeanor charges stem from several incidents, including when fire inspectors shut down supperclub los angeles on June 17, 2012.
Prosecutors said the club has a 553-person capacity, but nearly twice as many people were inside.
"We've had head counts of over 1,000," said City Attorney spokesman Frank Mateljan.
The club also had illegal fireworks, several blocked exits and a trapeze artist swinging from the ceiling over the overcrowded dance floor.
The club had apparently been ordered to cease use of both the trapeze artist and the illegal fireworks.
"This has been a problem at this club going back to last summer. Our filing is coincidental, but timely given the events in Brazil," said Mateljan.
In a statement, supperclub los angeles said, in part, "We take the safety of our supperclub family and extended family of guests very seriously."
The club also said they have never been shut down by the fire marshal.
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