Topeka ? Kansas would ban the use of pyrotechnic devices inside bars, nightclubs and other places where more than 50 people gather under legislation that cleared the Senate last year and is now in the House.

No opposition was presented at a hearing on the bill Thursday by the House Federal and State Affairs Committee, which was expected to send the measure to the full chamber.

The measure was filed last year in the Kansas Senate, shortly after 21 people died in a stampede at an overcrowded Chicago nightclub and 96 were killed after pyrotechnics started a fire in a Rhode Island-bar three days later.

Besides banning pyrotechnics in certain settings, the bill also would allow the state to suspend or revoke liquor licenses at drinking establishments that violate fire code.

Pyrotechnics still would be allowed in buildings that meet certain criteria, including those with sprinkler systems.

“The use of pyrotechnics in these types of facilities causes us greater concern for the patrons,” State Fire Marshal Joseph Odle said in written testimony.

“We certainly don’t want a Rhode Island type of fire in our state and we want to insure that the facility and pyrotechnic operators are compliant with the Kansas Fire Prevention Code,” Odle said.

Under the bill, a violation of fire code in drinking establishments would be considered common nuisances, which are punishable by suspension or revocation of a liquor license.

Odle said the State Fire Marshal’s Office has been working with the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control to train ABC agents to recognize fire code violations. He said his office did not have the resources to inspect drinking establishments unless there had been a complaint filed.