I went to watch a rock band at an old bar last night. The building is actually 3 separate old buildings that have been joined. The bar is one section along with a dining area. The band stage in the small part of the building and in between is the 3rd part which is a dance floor. That part is 19 feet wide (I counted the ceiling tiles). By the way it's built, the floor joists run across the 19 feet span. There were about 30 people on the dance floor, with all but about 5 dancing. That floor was bouncing and bowing 3 to 4 inches as people danced, and it's already low in the middle. At one point I walked in there and was standing against the wall watching the band. I was standing right at the support wall, and I could feel my back (against the wall), sliding up and down at least a half inch). If you ask me, this floor is extremely weak. Even if it's just framed with 2x8's there should not be that much bounce. 30 people, with each weighing
200 lbs is only 3 tons. I know that dancing in rhythm can and has caused decks to collapse. I fear this floor could collapse as weak as it feels. This building has been used as a bar for years, but was not a rock venue until about 6 months ago. At that time they renovated the interior as new owners took over. I tend to wonder if some structural supports were removed in the basement?
I am not sure who to report this to. I know telling the bartender would be worthless, maybe the building inspectors in town should be contacted? I'm not sure, but I have a gut feeling to tell someone before people are hurt of worst.
And, because I know someone will ask how drunk I was. The answer to that is I DO NOT drink. But I like going to see live music.