Why do stores often have a "this door to remain open during business hours" sign on their doors?

Question

Why do stores often have a "this door to remain open during business hours" sign on their doors? Is this necessary?

Answer 1

It's a fire safety thing. In case of a fire you are required by law to have at least 2 working exits. If one of your exits is locked, then it's a violation. So they make you put the signs up so all employees working there will know to keep it unlocked.

Answer 2

The entrance could be part of a security or fire exit strategy plan and so it's labelled to comply with that plan and it might even just be so you feel assured to make a mental note yourself in case, heaven forbid you need to get out of the store in a hurry.

In fact some people after going to their room in a large hotel, immediately go and explore one or two methods for escaping the hotel. I know it sounds macabre but if you could ask someone about it who lost a loved one in 9/11 you quickly see a reason.

Answer 3

This is usually because of a regulation in local fire codes. If the door is locked, in the event of a fire or other emergency, it would make it harder for people to escape. It's apparently necessary to force some businesses to leave these doors unlocked, although it shouldn't be!

Answer 4

That's required by the Fire Marshall .. for safety

Answer 5

so that the door stays open.