CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (AP) -- Police were forced to clear movie patrons from a theater that had not passed safety inspections before its opening day.
An inspection report obtained by the Chippewa Herald on Monday shows mall owners and theater managers knew Friday morning that the Micon Stadium 8 Theaters would not receive a public occupancy permit in time for the 5:15 p.m. show.
City inspectors called Chippewa Falls police Friday evening after noticing lines forming outside the theater at Northridge Center.
``We got approval from the fire inspector and thought the building was safe. But I guess we did not comply with everyone's appraisal of what needed to be done,'' Mike Olson of Micon Cinemas told the newspaper.
Officials found as many as 100 people inside the theater at Northridge Center, waiting for the show to start. It is to be the city's first movie theater in years.
But inspection reports show the complex failed a final inspection May 26 that would have allowed for the June 4 opening. Inspectors determined Friday the building was unsafe for public occupancy because much of it was still under construction, the report showed.
A report said electrical work was incomplete, as was work on heating, ventilation and air conditioning units. Movie theater equipment wasn't in place, the fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems were under construction, and walls and ceilings weren't finished, the report showed.
The theater passed its fire inspection Friday. But the same day, inspectors deemed the building unsafe for patrons and said no customers would be allowed in until a new inspection finds it is up to code.
Some remaining problems were called ``critical to life safety'' and the report said the building's architect must approve their completion.
Mayor Doug Sandvick also was at the theater Friday.
``People were not happy and it was real difficult for me, but what could the city do? Right now it's not safe for the public,'' he said. ``Close doesn't count when it comes to public safety.''
Olson said employees are scrambling to get the theater open as soon as possible.
