§ 25.2. [Required in bars, clubs, and other similar places of public assembly.]

1.

Notwithstanding any provision of the State Building Code or any public or local law to the contrary, including, but not limited to, Chapter 143 of the General Statutes, a town may require by ordinance the installation of sprinkler systems in public assembly occupancies licensed to serve alcoholic beverages, other than restaurants as defined in G.S. 18B-1000(6), as follows:

(a)

Prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy:

(1)

Any new occupancy to be established with a rated occupancy load exceeding 200 persons and serving alcohol under a North Carolina ABC classification of private club or retail on-site consumption of mixed drink or malt beverage; or

(2)

Any new occupancy to be established with a rated occupancy load exceeding 100 persons and serving alcohol under a North Carolina ABC classification of private club or retail on-site consumption of mixed drink or malt beverage and that has any of its required egress points one storey or more above or below grade.

(b)

Within five years of the enactment of the requiring ordinance:

(1)

any existing occupancy with a rated occupancy load exceeding 200 persons and serving alcohol under a North Carolina ABC classification of private club or retail on-site consumption of mixed drink or malt beverage;

(2)

Any existing occupancy with a rated occupancy load exceeding 150 persons and serving alcohol under a North Carolina ABC classification of private club or retail on-site consumption of mixed drink or malt beverage and that has any of its required egress points one storey or more above or below grade.

2.

This act applies to the Town of Chapel Hill only.

(Acts 2003, Sess. Law 2003-247, §§ 1, 2)