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 classes that are enclosed or substantially enclosed, where entry is gained through monetary payment or equivalent consideration and is meant for public entertainment.
POPE Legal Requirements – SUMMARY
If you plan on offering public entertainment in an enclosed space or charging an admission fee, you will likely need to obtain a POPE Permit. The responsibility for administering Place of Public Entertainment Permits within each municipality lies with the Municipal Building Surveyor of the local council.
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 in 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.
