Aisle widths

[Dave]

Hi,

 

Is there any guidance relating to minimum aisle widths. Format is a flat floor with moveable seats. I'm just looking at a venue and I'm sure they've got more seats out than is safe, and are over-stating its capacity, but they assure me it's OK. Apart from licensing and insurance, are there any other legally-binding factors that affect the number of people a venue can accommodate?

 

EDIT: I've also noticed that the seats are not fastened together in their rows. I thought this was something between good practice and a legal requirement.

 

Thanks,

 

Dave

[J Pearce]

The yellow book is your friend here, and sets out guidelines for limits and spacings etc.

 

However I do believe these are only guidelines not law (as always...)

[Jivemaster]

Look at the licence! Note that each London Borough has different details in their standards and there are halls that are in two boroughs especially in the Endell St area. Note that the capacity will vary according to the use. I saw one licence that said something like 1200 standing, 1000 seated theatre style and 500 seated at tables.

 

The datails of the licence should be on display somewhere -though this may not be obvious to the public! There should be a certificate showing the capacity probably in the back of the bar or in the caretaker's lobby -displayed where an inspector can see it on request.

 

Alternatively ring the local authority licensing office and simply ask them whether the venue of your interest is licensed for your required numbers in your chosen seating format.

[themadhippy]

Also worth a look is Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Theatres, Cinemas and Similar Premises

which states

In fixed seats there should be a clear space

of at least 305mm between the back of one

seat to the front of the seat behind it (or the

nearmost point of the seat behind it, for

automatic tip-up seats, see Figure 22). Gangways

should be adequate for the number of seats

served and at least 1.05m wide. There should

be no projections which diminish these widths.

If temporary seating is provided, these should

If temporary seating is provided, these should

be secured in lengths of not fewer than four

seats (and not more than 12). Each length

should be fixed to the floor.