Road blocks opening craft beer store / bar in NC

Discussion in 'South Atlantic' started by jdub75, Nov 27, 2013.

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  1. jdub75

    jdub75 Initiate (0) Nov 27, 2013

    Hi
    I plan on opening a craft beer store and bar. I have the property but am hitting some road blocks with the local planning and inspections.
    At the moment the building has one wheelchair accessible restroom.
    They are saying there needs to be two - One for males and the other for females.
    If the building was for mercantile only use (retail) there wouldn't be a problem but they are saying because it will also have on premise consumption it now becomes coded as assembly, like a bar / tavern etc.
    The problem is firstly the cost to fit and another one out and second the building is two small to do it. I have been to numerous craft beer stores and bars throughout NC and SC and they don't have two accessible restrooms. Most are lucky to have one.
    Any advice out there from current owners of similar establishments would be appreciated.
    Thank you
     
    #1 jdub75, Nov 27, 2013
  2. brstls4drmrs

    brstls4drmrs Maven (1,396) Jan 30, 2011 North Carolina

    First off, you can't base your argument on "other stores" in there Carolina's. That doesn't matter. What matters is the present and current ADA code. The other stores that you speak of are built up to code at the time they were opened. If they're saying you need 2 ADA restrooms, then that's what you need. You could try for one unisex ADA restroom.

    You really need to converse with a architect ( in addition to an attorney which was recommended in your previous post).
     
    #2 brstls4drmrs, Nov 27, 2013
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  3. jdub75

    jdub75 Initiate (0) Nov 27, 2013

    Thanks for your reply!
    Im aware of ADA code, what I not sure of is how 2 similar businesses have opened in my county within the the past year and have not had to provide two wheelchair accessible restrooms. ADA restroom code hasnt changed in the past year but ADA code does change depending on the business model. I've been told unisex restroom is not an option
    What I'm trying to establish is whether a beer store that offers consumption is a mercantile establishment seeing a higher percdntage of sales come from the retail part of the business. It would seem to be the case.
    Its just frustrating dealing with government bodies because i ve got different answers from different people all along the way. Next stop will have to be the attorney.
    Thanks again
     
    #3 jdub75, Nov 27, 2013
  4. chefkevlar

    chefkevlar Initiate (0) Apr 17, 2010 South Carolina

    Best option is probably to get a good general contractor who knows the local codes and let him deal with the governmental bureaucracy BS
     
    #4 chefkevlar, Nov 27, 2013
  5. flipdog0

    flipdog0 Pundit (799) Feb 11, 2011 North Carolina

    you can apply for an exemption.
     
    #5 flipdog0, Nov 27, 2013
  6. Wolfpack2005

    Wolfpack2005 Initiate (0) Oct 15, 2010 North Carolina

    There are many of different factors that go into what ADA codes you have to comply with and which ones you are exempt from. I'm assuming that since you are in the permitting process that you are already working with an architect. These are all questions that he/she should be able to answer for you and lobby for if the city is making you go above and beyond the requirements. I'm a general contractor in the Raleigh area, BM me if you need any help.
     
    #6 Wolfpack2005, Nov 27, 2013
  7. jdub75

    jdub75 Initiate (0) Nov 27, 2013

    Thanks everyone. I met with planning again and it all comes down to occupancy load.
    If I can get that down to 25 people all I need is one toilet and not a wheelchair accessible one. If I go over 25 I need one for male and female.
    Appreciate all your feedback
     
    #7 jdub75, Nov 29, 2013
  8. Oakcitybrews

    Oakcitybrews Initiate (0) Feb 8, 2012 North Carolina

    Where will this store be located?
     
    #8 Oakcitybrews, Dec 3, 2013
  9. Skrypt

    Skrypt Initiate (0) Mar 8, 2010 Florida

    Try asking the owners of the other bars?
     
    #9 Skrypt, Dec 4, 2013
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