I have some friends that own a shop that has a stage area set up
for small shows (around 100 people). I have been there on show
nights to help out. I certainly would know if the band that is setting
up is bringing in numerous pyro displays. And if they didn't have permission
to use them they would have to get them out of the shop. End of story.
Surely someone at the club had seen or had knowledge that the group
Great White uses pyro as part of their show. Great White pretty much always
uses some form of pyro.
I think the club owners/managers in RI knew about the pyro but just looked the
other way. The show started, the pyro was going, yet nobody that
worked for the club attempted to stop it in any way. They were probably thinking
that it wouldn't be a big deal. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.
I also think that any establishment that is housing 300 people for
entertainment purposes should be required to have sprinkler systems
installed in case of a fire and also have clearly marked exits available.