§ 35-2-204. PROHIBITION ON OBSTRUCTIONS IN PUBLIC PLACES.

(a)

"Public place" defined. In this section, "public place" means a public hall, house of worship, school, or place of amusement in the county.

(b)

In general. An owner or lessee of a public place may not obstruct or allow others to obstruct the aisles or passageways in the auditorium of the public place by locating a bench, chair, stool, or other article that prevents free ingress and egress during the hours that the public place is open to the public.

(c)

Duty of owner, lessee, or agent. During the time that a public place is open to the public, the owner or lessee of a public place, or the agent of the owner or lessee shall:

(1)

Keep all doors giving ingress and egress to a public place unlocked and unobstructed and provide exit doors that open outward; and

(2)

Ensure that no hindrance, such as locks, bars, or gratings obstruct or prevent ingress and easy egress through a door of the public place.

(d)

Penalty. An owner or lessee, or the agent of an owner or lessee who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(e)

Inspection. The county shall conduct, as necessary, examinations of public places.

(1988 Code, § 7-6) (Bill No. 25-01, § 2, 7-1-2004)