I like the hint of an arch. This is similar I think to your more recent post “The Money Machine”, just lower down. I can imagine barrels of beer being loaded in here, or tons of coal.
As to the advice – that was not necessary when the building was constructed – people knew this, it was and still should be common sense. Also, in those days businesses were not taking advice/dictates from their insurance companies. The sign reeks of lawyers and a litigious society. Too bad about that.

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