Maximum Patron Capacity Calculations — Victoria

Why You Need a Patron Capacity Report

If you’re applying for a liquor licence, modifying one, or expanding your venue’s layout, Liquor Control Victoria (LCV) will often require a maximum patron capacity to be formally certified. This number is legally binding; it forms part of your licence conditions and can’t be guessed or estimated loosely.

A proper capacity calculation ensures your venue is safe, compliant with egress and fire code standards, and defensible under scrutiny. Poorly calculated capacities are a common cause of application delays, objections, or enforcement action.

What a Compliance‑Grade Report Must Include

To be accepted by LCV, your patron capacity report must be precise, supported by building code logic, and validated by a qualified professional. We coordinate all necessary elements, including:

• Verification of licensed floor area and usable circulation zones
• Assessment of egress widths, door locations, aisles, and exit paths
• Consideration of external or covered outdoor areas, based on LCV policy
• Toilets and sanitary fixture ratios (where relevant)
• Application of NCC / Australian Building Codes (Part D1, D2, etc.)
• Clear assumptions and limiting factors documented
• Certification or sign-off by a registered building surveyor
• Integration with your red line plan and licence application package

Because adaptability is key, we account for complex or irregular layouts (e.g. mezzanines, split levels, balconies) and reflect these in the capacity.

How We Provide the Service

Here’s how we manage the capacity calculation end-to-end:

1. Review your floor plans or site layout (existing or proposed)
2. Liaise with a trusted building surveyor to certify numbers
3. Run detailed code‑based calculations reflecting all constraints
4. Highlight potential limiting bottlenecks or safety issues
5. Deliver a professional, licencing-ready report within the agreed timeframe
6. Optionally bundle with red line plan updates, layout changes, or liquor licence lodgement

We aim to deliver a turnaround in 3–5 business days for standard projects (but can expedite if needed for urgent licences).

Who Needs a Patron Capacity Report?

Our capacity reports are central for:

• New liquor licence applicants (bars, restaurants, clubs)
• Venue expansions (e.g. adding function rooms or terraces)
• Licensed event operators and temporary site licences
• Licence variations, transfers, or compliance audits
• Redevelopment or internal layout reconfigurations

We also support council or building enquiries where capacity is needed for planning or building permit purposes.

What Sets Us Apart

• Trusted partnerships with building surveyors — your report is professionally certified.
• Deep domain knowledge — we understand both liquor licensing and building code logic.
• Transparent methodology — you’ll see assumptions, limitations, and compliance logic.
• Bundled services available — pair your capacity report with plan drafting or licence support.
• Victoria‑wide service — from Melbourne to regional areas, we provide consistent coverage.

Common Questions

Do external areas count in the capacity?
Yes — where permitted by LCV policy, under cover or defined outdoor areas may be included, but must be clearly shown in layout and assumptions.

What happens if I exceed capacity later?
You risk violating your licence conditions, which can trigger fines or enforcement. If your use changes, a new capacity must be calculated.

Can you calculate capacity for a shared space?
Yes — we’ll apportion based on licenced area, circulation, and intended usage zones.

Is the report valid for multiple years?
Yes, as long as the layout and usage do not materially change. Otherwise a reevaluation is recommended.

Request Your Capacity Report Today

Contact us with your existing plan, venue layout, or site details — we’ll review, propose a fixed fee, and deliver a certified capacity calculation that fits seamlessly into your licensing or redevelopment process.