Places of public entertainment (POPE) occupancy permits

Festivals and public events add fun and vibrancy to our diverse municipality. If you are planning a public event, you will need a permit. The places of public entertainment (POPE) permit helps us ensure your event will be safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.

For more information and advice on hosting a public event in the City of Whittlesea, contact our Events department at events@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or call 03 9217 2170.

Types of public events

  • fetes
  • festivals
  • community fairs/shows
  • sporting events
  • live music events and performances
  • carnivals
  • circuses
  • cinema in the park.

Places of public entertainment

Places of public entertainment can include:

  • circus 
  • building
  • public event on land.

When to get a POPE permit

You must obtain a POPE permit if you:

  • are holding your event in an enclosed or substantially enclosed area of land more than 500 m2
  • are charging an entry fee (including donations and gifts)
  • are holding your event in a public building of more than 500 m2
  • are erecting one of the following temporary structures:
    • a seating stand for more than 20 persons
    • a marquee of more than 100 m2
    • a tent of more than 100 m2
    • a stage of more than 150 m2.

You must display your POPE occupancy permit at the event office or at a place where it can be readily viewed when required.

How to apply

Step 1.Download the permit application form

Download and complete the places of public entertainment (POPE) occupancy permit application form(PDF, 427KB).

Step 2.Provide event details

In your application, please include a full description of your event. This must include a plan of your place of entertainment to a suitable scale showing:

  • all marquees, stages and seating stands
  • a copy of the current occupancy permit issued by the Building Commission for the stage, marquee or temporary structure
  • existing and proposed toilet facilities for use by patrons, including accessible toilets
  • number of drinking fountains/outlets
  • fire extinguishers and placement of sundry items such as equipment
  • access points to the site
  • position of first aid facilities if required.

Step 3.Pay your fee

The fee you pay depends on the details of your event.

Step 4.Submit your application

Submit this form to buildplan@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or post it to: 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang 3752.

Step 5.Display your permit

Once you receive your POPE permit, you must display it at the event office or at a place where it can be readily viewed when required.

Occupancy permit conditions

There are important conditions that apply to your occupancy permit.

Safety officers

Safety officers must attend the place of public entertainment to provide for the safety of the public. They are responsible for:

  • operating fire safety elements, equipment and systems
  • establishing and operating evacuation procedures
  • safety of barriers and exits
  • control of the use of naked flame in theatrical productions.

Your responsibilities

As permit holder you must:

  • exclude the public from unsafe areas
  • keep, test and store flammable material or explosive items and equipment in a safe manner, to the extent that this is not required by any other Act or regulations
  • ignite fireworks and discharge pistols or other shooting devices in a safe and responsible manner, to the extent that this is not required by any other Act or regulations
  • designate passageways or paths of travel and exits
  • ensure public toilet facilities are available and in suitable condition
  • provide any proposed additional fire fighting equipment to surrounding areas.

Contact Us

Phone

03 9217 2170

Email

events@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

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