Place of Assembly

Information for applicants

What is a Place of Assembly?

The Public Health Act 1997 defines a Place of Assembly as:

  • any place or area used for the entertainment of members of the public
  • any place or area used for the assembly of members of the public for social and recreational purposes
  • any school or other place or area used for community or public purposes

Who needs a Place of Assembly licence?

Any person who wishes to:

  • Operate, use or manage a place as a Place of Assembly
  • Conduct any entertainment at a Place of Assembly
  • Lease or offer for lease a place as a Place of Assembly

What type of licences are there?

There are two types of licenses:

  • General Purpose (Place of Assembly) which is issued for 12 months to permanent Places of Assembly and is renewable each year
  • Specific Event (Temporary Place of Assembly) which is issued for the duration of a public event at venues not usually licensed as Places of Assembly.  Every separate event needs a separate licence

What is the cost of a licence?

Both types of licence cost $100.00.

Do I need any information to support my licence application?

Yes, both permanent and temporary structures (tents, etc) need to be suitable for use as a Place of Assembly.

For permanent structures all new applications must be supported by:

  • Buildings constructed since 1994
    Either a Certificate of Occupancy or an Occupancy permit issued by a building surveyor
  • Buildings constructed before 1994
    An Occupancy permit issued by a building surveyor, at a venue that requires a Place of Assembly licence.
  • If more than 200 persons can be accommodated an evacuation plan which is acceptable to the Tasmania Fire Service is required
  • For temporary structures (tents, stages etc) a Certificate of Likely Compliance issued by a building surveyor addressing compliance of the temporary structure with the requirements for temporary structures contained in the Guidelines is required

What sort of things must Council look at before I get a licence?

The Council must consider a number of issues before a licence can be issued:

  • Maintenance of peace and good order
  • Prevention of noise, smell, pollution or other nuisances
  • Effect on traffic on highways
  • Whether the place of assembly is capable of being operated, used or managed in accordance with the relevant guidelines
  • Protection of public health

Where can I obtain the appropriate application forms?

Application forms for both Place of Assembly Licences and Temporary Place of Assembly Licences can be obtained from the Hobart City Council's Customer Service Centre, 16 Elizabeth Street, Hobart.

Is there a legal maximum number of patrons I can have?

Yes, every Place of Assembly is given a maximum number of persons that can be on the premises at any one time.

This number is calculated on the basis of:

  • Number of toilets
  • Number and width of exits
  • Duration of and type of event
  • Floor area

The maximum number of persons permitted will be stated on the licence.

Is overcrowding an offence?

Yes, the licensee can be subject to a $200 on the spot fine or court action where the maximum penalty is up to $10,000.

As well as that an authorised officer can:

  • have the doors closed
  • cancel the event
  • evacuate the premises

What happens if I operate without a licence?

You can be liable for an on the spot fine of $200 or prosecution where the maximum penalty of $10,000 may result.

Are there any guidelines I should be aware of?

Yes, you should obtain a copy of the Guidelines for Health & Safety in Public Places & the Public Health Act 1997 from the Printing Authority of Tasmania, 2 Salamanca Place, Hobart.

An information sheet 'Procedure for Obtaining a Temporary Place of Assembly Licence' is available from the Council.

These documents will give you the information you need to be aware of so that you can operate your Place of Assembly in accordance with the law.

Can my licence be cancelled?

Yes.  If you fail to operate your premises in compliance with the conditions of your licence or the relevant Guidelines, or you are convicted of an offence relating to your Place of Assembly, your licence can be cancelled.  If you alter your premises in a major way that adversely effects the safe operation of your premises, you could also lose your licence.

Is there an appeal system in place?

If you are unhappy with Council's decisions about your application, conditions of licence, or even refusal to give a licence then you can appeal.

Appeals are made to:

The Resource Management & Planning Appeals Tribunal
GPO Box 2036
HOBART TAS 7001


Information for Persons Using, Operating or Managing Places of Assembly (Public Health Act 1997)

Public Health & Safety Responsibilities

Overcrowding

Do not exceed the capacity stipulated on the licence.

Noise pollution

be aware that you may be required to promptly reduce or abate noise emissions from the event if justified complaints are lodged with Council.

Exits

must never be obstructed or concealed by furniture, stalls, material, seating or anything else that prevents the easy identification of an approved exit.  Access to exits must not be impeded or reduced in width by any clutter.  No devices (eg bolts, locks) should be fitted to exit doors that will prevent them from being readily opened from within the venue.

Exit signs

should never be obscured or covered by any material at any time.

Fire fighting equipment

such as hose reels and fire extinguishers should be easily identifiable and readily accessible via clear corridors and pathways.

Equipment and structures

ensure the safe condition of any equipment or structures used and surface finishes such as carpets and floor coverings should be safe for public use.

General cleanliness

the venue and all associated fixtures should be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition prior to and during any public function.

Public toilets

provide adequate numbers for the maximum capacity of patrons permitted and maintain in a clean and sanitary condition.  Clearly designate for male and female use.  Adequate lighting will need to be provided for access to and use of these facilities.

Access and movement

provide easy able and disabled access into the venue; ensure people can move safely about the venue; provide easy egress from the venue for all patrons.

Risky activities

be aware of the safety risks associated with activities involving candles, flammable materials, heaters, mobile or unsecured equipment, gas cylinders, pyrotechnics and other potential risky activities that could impact on the public attending the venue.

The holder of a place of assembly licence must operate, use or manage the place in a manner that does not pose a threat to public health.

Display your place of assembly licence in a prominent position visible to the public.


Additional Information to be Considered by the Applicant

Specific Event Licences

Applicants for Specific Event Licences are to provide the following additional information with their application:

  • If any building, temporary structure or area is to be used as a place of assembly a detailed site plan is to be provided.  Detailed floor plans are also to be provided for temporary structures erected/constructed for the event
  • An evacuation plan approved by the Tasmania Fire Service must be provided if it is proposed that more than 200 persons will occupy the building or temporary structure at the same time

Scale of sanitary facilities

Male WCs
100 persons 1
300 persons 2
700 persons 3
1100 persons 4
1500 persons 6

Female WCs
25 persons 1
50 persons 2
100 persons 3
150 persons 4
200 persons 5
250 persons 6
450 persons 7
650 persons 8
850 persons 9
1050 persons 10
1250 persons 11

Male/Female Wash Hand Basins (WHB)
50 persons 1
200 persons 2
400 persons 3
600 persons 4

Male Urinals

50 persons

1
100 persons 2
150 persons 3
200 persons 4
250 persons 5
450 persons 6
650 persons 7
850 persons 8
1050 persons 9
1250 persons 10

NOTE:

If male numbers exceed 250, not less than 5 urinals to be provided plus 1 additional urinal for every additional 200 males in excess of 250.

If female numbers exceed 250, not less than 6 WCs to be provided plus 1 additional WC for every additional 200 females in excess of 250.

Liquor Licence/Permit

If it is intended to sell alcohol at the event then permission must be obtained from the Liquor & Gaming branch, 2nd Floor 80 Elizabeth Street phone 6233 2475.

Temporary structure

If you are erecting a temporary structure (tent, stage, tiered seating, etc) for use during an event:

  • You must obtain a Certificate of Likely Compliance from a building surveyor addressing compliance of the temporary structure with the requirements for temporary structures contained in the Guidelines for Health and Safety in Public Places.
  • If a Certificate of Likely Compliance from a building surveyor is not referred to the Environmental Health Officer then the Place of Assembly Licence for the Specific Event may not be issued.
  • A Place of Assembly Licence may be issued for the event that could exclude approval for the temporary structures if a risk analysis determines there is insignificant risk to the health and safety of the public (eg. size of stage/tent).

Additional information

The following standard conditions will apply to all Place of Assembly licences:


Condition 1

Section 77(2)

  • The maintenance of peace and good order
  • The prevention of noise, smell, pollution or other nuisances
  • The effect of traffic on highways
  • The operation, use and management of the place of assembly in accordance with the Guidelines for Health and Safety in Public Places
  • The protection of public health

Condition 2

Section 79

The holder of a Place of Assembly Licence must operate, use or manage the place in accordance with any condition of the licence, any relevant guildelines and in a manner that does not pose a threat to public health.


Any enquiries?

Please contact an Environmental Health Officer at the Hobart City Council on phone 6238 2715.