Freshly cut Christmas trees will once again be legal in hotel lobbies, larger restaurants and other assembly areas this holiday season, provided they have sprinklers in place, under new rules signed into law by Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Thursday.

The new language is contained within Bill 56, which incorporates the updated state Fire Code into city law. An amendment allows for live trees so long they are in areas with sprinklers and a “fire watch plan” that designates those responsible for preventive maintenance and will, in case of emergencies, alert fire officials and occupants.

Since 2010, when the Fire Department adopted a new fire code, freshly cut trees have been banned in assembly areas due to concerns they could dry out and easily ignite. But the department did not start clamping down on the prohibition until recently.

RESTAURATEURS and hoteliers, arguing that they’ve received complaints from customers and guests who want live trees, persuaded City Councilman Ikaika Anderson to amend the bill to change the law. The proposal was initially opposed by the Fire Department, but it then helped craft the compromise language. The bill was approved by the Council earlier this month.

A place of public assembly is defined as a place where 50 or more people gather for “deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, drinking, amusement, awaiting transportation or similar uses.” That includes auditoriums, courtrooms, college classrooms, conference rooms, exhibition halls, movie theaters, passenger stations, mortuaries, churches, assembly halls, ballrooms, museums and bowling alleys.

Apartment or condominium lobbies are not considered public assembly areas.