Safety.

[ImLostAgain]

listened in to an argument in a club last night and it got me wondering.
Customers were querying why, on new years day, the committee were removing all the chairs from the bar but leaving the tables. The customers believed it was down to greed and the club could squeeze more people in.
The committee on the other hand said it was a safety issue and that they would be liable if someone tripped over a chair. The tables were different they said. they were needed for people to put their glasses on if they went to the toilet or outside for a smoke. That is pure rubbish surely?
Also, they were asked how many people were actually allowed in the club at any one time as it gets packed (and I do mean packed) to the rafters on new years day. The customers were told that there were no restrictions on the number as there were enough emergency exits.
Again, that cannot be true, can it?

[squarebear]

Our bars here regularly move away the chairs and bar stools during busy periods. It's more to do with people picking them up and smahing them over each other's head though.

I think it should have a maximum occupancy though.

[ummmm]

You drink faster when standing up.

[sunny-dave]

But you can't get pregnant standing up?

<possbly> ;)

[ChuckFickens]

"But you can't get pregnant standing up?

<possbly> ;) "

I definitely can't

[sunny-dave]

Science has made marvellous leaps forward Chuck - your time may come ;)

[pa___ul3]

you shouldn't encourage people to leave drinks unattended! That's how people get pregnant standing up!

[daffy654]

All licensed premises have a maximum capacity, it doesn't matter how many fire exits they have.

[ladybirder]

You can always rely on getting a sensible answer if you post in Law can't you:-)

[ChuckFickens]

As daffy says, there is always a restriction on the numbers and it's either based on floor space or fire exit capability (which ever is lowest)

You can get a rough idea of how to work it out yourself...

http://www.ipswichbes...cupant%20capacity.doc

(that ones from Ipswich, but it gives the general outlines used everywhere)

[ImLostAgain]

Ok thank you people. Thanks for the laughs and the serious answers.
Think I'll pop in tonight and tell the customers, most of whom are a touch elderly,then stand back and watch the fireworks.