STAFF REPORT :::
The Spalding County Fire Department has issued a cease and desist letter to Country Inn and Suites located at 1900 North Expressway, shutting down the local hotel.
According to a press release issued by Spalding County, this action resulted from a failure to correct “numerous violations.”
All occupants of the establishment will be required to vacate the premises by 6 p.m. Aug. 19.
“Beginning June 19, 2017, inspectors from the Spalding County Fire Department made the owner aware of several issues found during an annual fire inspection, and began the process of advisement so that the business could be brought up to the current standards of state and national fire codes,” the press release stated. “During a follow-up and subsequent inspections it was discovered that only a small number of the issues had been addressed. This resulted in a total of 17 citations being issued to the owner, listing infractions that ranged from minor issues to others that were deemed as having the potential to place the public at great risk when visiting the premises. After the owner failed to appear for a scheduled court date to address the citations, it was determined that the business would be shut down until further notice.”
Fire Chief Kenny West said the decision to issue a cease and desist was not made lightly.
“While we strive to maintain a positive and productive relationship with all the businesses of Spalding County, offering assistance whenever we can, we must also keep in mind that the core mission of the Spalding County Fire Department is the protection of the lives and property of our citizens,” West said. “The fire codes are a set of rules prescribing the minimum requirements to prevent fire, explosion and other hazards from arising due to unacceptable conditions. In this particular instance, based on the violations found, we feel justified in taking the necessary steps to ensure that the danger to potential guests as well as the staff of Country Inn and Suites is properly addressed.”
