Place of Public Entertainment (POPE)

In some instances community-based organisations conduct events that require POPE Occupancy Permit.

These are larger scale events (i.e. the number of persons in the place at any one time during the event or activity exceeds 5,000 in a place larger than 500m²), where the event is conducted in an enclosed or semi enclosed place and entry to (and exit from) the event is controlled, or to which admission can be gained by payment of an admission fee or other consideration.

Examples of such events include football finals, open air concerts, and agricultural shows. A POPE Occupancy Permit is required for these events irrespective of whether they are conducted by a community-based organisation or a commercial business.

In addition to regular sporting or social activities, many community groups use parks, playing fields and other outdoor facilities to hold one-off events and activities. These may include sporting activities, cultural festivals, fetes and community markets.

Where council facilities are used for these events, organisers must obtain a permit from the local council authorising and detailing the terms and conditions for the use of the facility.

In other cases, e.g. where these events are held at a school, permission must be obtained from the school council or principal.

Exemptions

Community-based organisations using outdoor recreational facilities greater than 500m² (without temporary structures) are exempt from the requirement to obtain a POPE occupancy permit if the number of persons, does not exceed 5000, in the place, at any one time during the event/activity.

Exemptions do not apply to occupancy permits for a temporary structure or siting approval.

The exemption to obtain a POPE Occupancy Permit does not exempt the requirement to obtain an Occupancy Permit (from the VBA) for a prescribed temporary structure or siting approval from the relevant council.

Section 3 of the Building Act defines prescribed temporary structure as including a temporary structure in a prescribed class of temporary structures. The Regulations provide that the following are prescribed classes of temporary structures:

• Tents, marquees or booths with a floor area greater than 100m²
• Seating stands for more than 20 persons
• Stages or platforms (including sky borders and stage wings) exceeding 150m² in floor area
• Prefabricated buildings exceeding 100m² other than ones placed directly on the ground.

A Safety Officer may be required to be present as a condition of your Occupancy Permit. The Safety Officer you engage must either hold a Safety Training Qualification in accordance with Regulation 1105 of the Act, or have qualifications/experience in emergency management (i.e CFA, SES etc).

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) conducts a ‘Safety Officer - In a Place of Public Entertainment’ course that provides the appropriate qualifications. Where an alternative person is nominated, details of their qualifications and experience (CV/Resume) are required to be submitted for assessment and approval.