Fire Marshals Put Damper on Public Enemy Show

Public Enemy’s show at the Palace on Sunday was cut short when fire marshals determined the club was overcrowded, though no action was taken until about 1:45 a.m. when officials required patrons to exit the club in order to count them.

A Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman said that a safety inspector, spurred by a radio advertisement promising a packed house, went to the Palace and determined that the crowd on the main floor exceeded the legal capacity of 554. The Fire Department put the count at 1,117.

Though the exiting patrons were met by an imposing squad of fire and police backup personnel, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Hollywood division reported no incidents, other than some shouting. The street had already been the scene of aggravation, with many ticket-holders unable to be admitted because the club was over its capacity.

Palace spokesman Mark Jason attributed the situation to the band and promoters having too large a guest list.

Fire Department public information officer Manny Hernandez said that since the club complied with the citation by stopping the show, no further action will be taken, but added that the department would “keep an eye” on the club, paying special attention to tonight’s repeat appearance by Public Enemy.