By Matt Youngfrau
ROCK HILL — September 23, 2003 – Yesterday afternoon, the Sullivan County Democrat was informed by the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce that their Casino Conference on Wednesday would be moved from the Lodge at Rock Hill to Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant – right next door.
The decision was made after chamber representatives met with officials from the Town of Thompson, the Lodge, and Bernie’s.
The entire situation stems from the fact that the Lodge does not have a Certificate of Occupancy for the size of a crowd the chamber is expecting for their conference. Specifically, they do not have a sufficient sprinkler system in case of a fire.
While there were backup plans – like having a fire marshall and a pumper present or hooking a firehose to the swimming pool – those were not approved by the town.
Town Supervisor Tony Cellini could not be reached for comment.
At press time, the plans for the conference were still being worked out. According to Chamber Vice President Jim Law, Bernie’s is plowing out some extra space to extend its parking lot, where a tent will be erected. The majority of the events will be inside the tent, said Law.
For full coverage on this year’s conference, please see Friday’s issue of the Sullivan County Democrat.