Introduction
Are you curious about what a POPE permit is and how WALLOP WATER can assist you in obtaining one? In this article, we will guide you through the essential details of a POPE permit, including its legal prerequisites and the steps involved in acquiring it.
POPE Legal Requirements
As outlined in Sections 49 and 50 of the Building Act, a POPE permit is obligatory for hosting public entertainment in designated areas. The Building Act, along with the Building Regulations of 2018, defines a POPE as:
- Prescribed locations, like the Melbourne Cricket Ground Precinct.
- Buildings falling under specified classes, such as Class 9b structures exceeding 500m², and designated temporary facilities used or intended for public entertainment.
- Places are categorized under specific enclosed or substantially enclosed classes, where entry is gained through monetary payment or equivalent consideration and is meant for public entertainment.
POPE Legal Requirements – SUMMARY
If you plan to offer public entertainment in an enclosed space or charge an admission fee, you will likely need to obtain a POPE Permit. The Municipal Building Surveyor of the local council is responsible for administering Place of Public Entertainment Permits within each municipality.
What is a POPE Permit?
A POPE Permit is an occupancy permit issued by the Municipal Building Surveyor before using a building or location as a Place of Public Entertainment. Public entertainment encompasses events or gatherings open to the general public, such as Community Festivals and Events, Music Festivals, and Sporting Events.
When is a POPE Permit Required?
A POPE Permit is necessary when any of the following conditions apply:
- A building is intended for public entertainment.
- A place is presently or is intended to be used for public entertainment, and it is either enclosed or substantially enclosed, or access is limited to those who make a monetary payment or provide equivalent consideration.
What does a POPE Permit Assess?
A POPE Permit evaluation may encompass the following aspects:
- Emergency Management and Evacuation Plans.
- Safety Officer (holding a Public Safety Officer Certificate).
- Toilet Facilities (at a ratio of 1 toilet per 60 patrons).
- Water Taps/Fountains (at a ratio of 1 water tap per 150 patrons).
- Emergency Exit widths (minimum width calculated based on event capacity).
- Accessible Toilets.
- Site Plans detailing:
- The boundaries of the designated Place of Public Entertainment.
- Locations of all existing buildings, along with their addresses/names.
- Positions of Temporary Structures (both prescribed and non-prescribed).
- Locations of Emergency Exits (including width in meters).
- Emergency Vehicle Access Routes.
- Positions of Accessible and Non-Accessible Toilets and Facilities.
- Locations of Drinking Taps.
- Locations of Medical/First Aid Facilities.
- Positions of existing fire suppression equipment.
- Locations of temporary fire suppression equipment.
Do you need assistance with obtaining a POPE Permit?
Our team has extensive expertise managing and facilitating water taps/fountains for POPE Permits across Victoria. Should you have any inquiries or wish to discuss the requisites for a POPE for your event, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
