thing is it should be a lot simpler and this is what TENS is supposed to do
there is a limit of 500 people at the event including crew. Therefore the authorities already know how much space / means of escape is required for safety
The Council already has plans of the proposed building in the planning/building control department and/or electronic maps in the GIS department. These is many cases would show the approach roads and even how many fire exits are there.
TBH the risk of fire at underground music events is grossly overstated by the authorities (although it is a risk at any large gathering) I have only known of a few minor blazes in 15 years which have been swiftly extinguished without needing to bother the emergency services.
There is more risk on the commercial nightclub scene where fires are sometimes deliberately set to destroy rival venues or disrupt events, yet these places get licensed…
The better free party organisers are IMO more clued up on fire safety than many commercial venue managers as they realise they do not often have the protection of working fire alarms etc.
In many areas you can check the website of your local Fire and Rescue service and they have in depth documents showing what their guidelines are for safety in entertainment venues; these have been put there for “Freedom of Information” and are quite useful.
The application would have to be approved by the Council, but if an application is unreasonably refused the promoters are entitled to complain (there is a right of appeal and a complaints procedure) and can still sue in the civil courts for any financial losses incurred.
I think some councils are going to intially struggle with how to implement this so anyone applying will need to keep on the ball, keep chasing any applications and challenge any attempts at a blanket refusal of TENS applications..
