Monaco will formally write a sweeping ban on open flames into its fire safety regulations on Friday, extending the prohibition across nightlife and hospitality venues rather than leaving it to individual operators such as Société des Bains de Mer to impose their own internal rules.
The regulatory amendment, due to be published in the Journal de Monaco on 31st July, will prohibit the use or introduction of naked flames in all areas accessible to the public within dance halls, gaming rooms, restaurants and drinking establishments, regardless of the number of people they accommodate.
The ban covers candles, traditional sparklers and Bengal lights, as well as any device capable of producing a flame, combustion or ignition for decorative, celebratory or culinary purposes.
From voluntary policies to a Principality-wide rule
The change gives legal force to a measure first announced by Minister of State Christophe Mirmand in January, shortly after the deadly fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana.
Until now, some major Monaco operators had already adopted their own restrictions. SBM CEO Stéphane Valeri told journalists in January that the group had removed traditional sparklers from its nightlife venues years earlier, replacing them with LED lights. Their limited use was permitted only in exceptional circumstances and with approval from the government and Monaco’s safety commission.
The new regulation moves beyond those individual company policies by establishing a consistent rule for relevant establishments throughout the Principality.
Exceptions subject to additional safety measures
The prohibition will be strict and general, although exemptions may be granted individually by the Direction de la Prospective, de l’Urbanisme et de la Mobilité. Any exemption will require additional safety measures and the prior opinion of Monaco’s Technical Commission for Hygiene, Safety and Environmental Protection.
The government has also clarified that venues will be regulated according to the activities they actually conduct, rather than solely according to how they describe themselves.
Restaurants and bars equipped to host musicians or DJs, play amplified music or provide space for dancing may therefore be subject to the more demanding fire safety requirements governing dance halls and gaming venues. Operators have been asked to confirm their administrative classification and ensure their safety measures correspond to their activities.
Unannounced inspections increased after Swiss tragedy
Monaco began strengthening oversight of nighttime establishments at the beginning of the year through unannounced inspections conducted while venues were operating.
The inspections have examined the use of flames, the fire resistance of materials and decorations, detection and alarm systems, and whether emergency exits are sufficient and remain unobstructed.
The action followed the New Year’s Day fire in Crans-Montana, which killed 41 people and injured 115. Swiss authorities believe sparklers attached to Champagne bottles were raised too close to the ceiling, igniting soundproofing material and causing the fire to spread rapidly.
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