VIENNA - New clearance regulations for inflatables has prompted Party Hoppers in Grand Central Mall to close this month and reopen as a paint-your-own pottery studio.
The Division of Labor regulations require 10 feet of clearance between an inflatable and a wall or other structure.
Party Hoppers is a popular venue for children parties and features inflatables and jump rooms.
"There have been some regulation changes that we just won't be able to keep up with," said manager Randy Rather. "Most of our inflatables are near walls, and we just don't have the space to keep them."
Inflatables remained at Party Hoppers until today, and the business will reopen as The Painted Frog on the weekend of May 26.
"We have a pretty large following here, but we hope to have some carryover when we open up the new place," said Rather.
The new business will feature a paint-your-own pottery studio, and it will also sell children's books and several toys geared toward toddlers.
Party Hoppers has been in business since October 2007.
The regulations will not affect Adventure Station at 113 Ann St. The kids venue features laser tag, an arcade, inflatables and glow golf.
"Our inflatables are 15 to 20 feet from the wall, near the middle of the room," said Adventure Station owner Dave Newell. "We are actually getting ready to add a few new things."
