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Audiences and Visitors
Common Questions

What kind of audience events need a entertainment licence?
  • Any kind of music or dancing (eg: nightclubs, watching a band) or entertainment of a like kind
  • At premises licensed for the sale of intoxicating drink where more than two live performers are involved or where there is a combination of live entertainers and recorded music (karaoke or backing tapes)
  • Indoor sporting events where the public are invited to attend, whether they pay or not
  • Open air events such as pop festivals held on private land (and in London on public land as well)
  • Film exhibitions(including videos) where the public are charged for admission or which are private gain (subject to certain exemptions)
  • The public performance of plays (payment not relevant) and in London the performance of a play for private gain
  • "Stage" Hypnotism.
How many first aiders will we need?
For an audience there should be a minimum of two first aiders, or one for every 1,000 persons, whichever is the greater.
 
The role of first aiders should be allocated as part of the Programme Risk Assessment.  More first aiders may be needed depending on the audience members or the programme content.
 
For 5,000 or more persons, arrangements should also be made with the local health authority Chief Ambulance Officer (or, with the C.A.O.'s approval, one of the voluntary first aid organisations) for the provision of an ambulance.
 
Can we count security guards as part of our first aid provision?
The assessment should take account of the other roles that may need to be carried out in the event of an emergency.  This is why security guards can provide support but will be needed elsewhere in an emergency so should be in addition to the number of first aiders you need.
 
What information should we give to audiences?
The audience should be notified in advance of risks, such as smoke effects, strobe lighting, lasers and loud noise exposure, that might affect their health or safety. If possible the audience should be told when tickets are sent or at least by means of a notice, posted in a prominent area before they enter the studio, such as a foyer or assembly area.
 
The audience must be briefed on:
  • the part the effects are to play in the production
  • their position in the studio or theatre
  • any effects that may affect their health - see above
  • the position of the equipment that may affect them e.g. cameras and cables, etc.
  • the first aid arrangements
  • the emergency arrangements including the location and routes to emergency exits.
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