In the wake of deadly incidents in Chicago and Warwick, R.I. during the past two weeks, officials are scrutinizing safety at nightclubs. Although Boston area clubs generally are quite safe, frequent checks must continue to ensure establishments are following all codes and requirements. However, increasing or maintaining safety at night spots should not and does not need to come at the expense of fun and atmosphere.

Nightclubs, and concert venues in particular, tend to have reputations for being dark and dingy and incidents like these occur sporadically. But most clubs in Boston are not dangerous, and the Inspectional Services Department has said their inspections are simply continuing as usual for the most part. Continuing with these regular inspections keeps an eye on owners and the frequent spot checks are a smart way to encourage them to make safety a priority at all times. The department reports that most violations are very minor, and since almost all concert venues in Boston double as restaurants, bars or nightclubs, they generally undergo other inspections as well.

While Boston does a solid job of enforcing requirements, the responsibility for safety ultimately falls on club owners. They can have the most significant impact by making it a priority and realizing that their patrons demand a safe environment. Now, and periodically in the future, owners should personally inspect their establishments. Clubs also need to develop plans to handle potential emergencies if they have not already, and this vital information must be communicated with all employees.

The main area for concern at Boston nightspots should be following maximum occupancy rules. While owners may be tempted to exceed allowed capacities because it garners extra revenue, they must realize that this seriously endangers patrons and makes attending clubs less enjoyable. A large crowd makes shows more fun, but not to the extent that attendees are forced to rub against strangers’ sweat-covered backs. Exceeding capacities irritates patrons who cannot see the show or hardly breathe, and it can become deadly if fire or another emergency breaks out.

To ensure safety at night spots, inspectors must continue their rigorous inspections, owners must take responsibility, and patrons must demand that rules are followed. The only danger in stepping up and enforcing regulations is that club experiences will suffer. However, inspections and regulations need not be increased to the point where they damage nightspots’ atmosphere, and having safe places where Bostonians can shake their booties and rock out benefits the city, club owners and patrons.