Interpretation #7388
Published September 02, 2014
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2010
- Code
- PLUMBING
- Code Description
- Plumbing
- Chapter
- 4
- Section
- 403.1
- Topic
- Definition of a "bar"
Question
Is it the intent of Table 403.1 to define a bar as serving alcoholic drinks only, without having a food menu?
Answer Published 09/02/2014 at 11:22 AM
The answer to the question is "maybe."
The intent of 403.1 is to provide a larger number of
fixtures wherever a higher patron density is expected. One
would expect bars, taverns and nightclubs to have higher
densities than restaurants.
In the end, which category applies to a particular facility
will be a judgment call on the part of the authority having
jurisdiction and the responsible design professional. A
restaurant with two bars could be a classified as a
restaurant. Conversely, a night club that sells food as an
ancillary activity is still a night club.
The intent of 403.1 is to provide a larger number of
fixtures wherever a higher patron density is expected. One
would expect bars, taverns and nightclubs to have higher
densities than restaurants.
In the end, which category applies to a particular facility
will be a judgment call on the part of the authority having
jurisdiction and the responsible design professional. A
restaurant with two bars could be a classified as a
restaurant. Conversely, a night club that sells food as an
ancillary activity is still a night club.
Commentary
An interesting question and interpretation for the designer
and AHJ. There are a number of unknowns such as size
and occupant load, if there is live entertainment,
the ratio of seats at the bar to seats in the restaurant,
etc. making a definitive answer harder. A restaurant with
two bars may be very rather large in area. Websters Third
International dictionary defines bar as: "a counter at
which food or especially alcoholic beverages are served."
It defines bar room as: "a place where alcoholic drinks are
served." A full definition of barroom appears as: "a room
or establishment whose main feature is a bar for the sale
of liquor.
In summary, this would be up to the local jurisdiction and
design professional. Since there are no rated separations
to divide the uses, the entire occupancy could be
classified a bar just as easily as a restaurant depending
on the items mentioned earlier.