LAWRENCE, Kan. — Even though exit signs are clearly lit and sprinkler systems are put in all bars, the problem of confusion in bars around closing time on Massachusetts Street, when the customers have consumed mass quantities of alcohol, still remains. Although people may be well rehearsed in the course of actions to take when faced with a fire, they may not be fully aware or capable of making coherent decisions or understanding what to do in case a fire breaks out in a bar. As a result of consuming multiple alcoholic beverages, a customer’s sensibility is reduced making it more difficult to make appropriate reactions. As Amanda Schwartzhoff, Chicago junior, says, “No! I would have no idea what to do because I would be really confused.”
Alcohol is to blame when it comes to a customer’s lack of coherency and it is not the fault of the Fire Department which has made sure that all the bars are up to date with fire codes and regulations. These bars on Massachusetts Street have been prepared and checked many times to ensure the safety of all the people who attend the bars. Lt. Wilson, who has been with the Fire Station #3 for 29 years, states “We inspect nightly and make sure they aren’t over occupied.”