Maximum Patron Capacity Reports & Red Line Plans

What is a Maximum Patron Capacity Report?

A maximum patron capacity is the maximum number of patrons allowed on a licensed premises at any one time. This limit prevents overcrowding, ensures safety, and is used to calculate your annual licence fee.

Liquor Control Victoria (LCV) requires specific documentation to determine and endorse the maximum patron capacity for your premises. Our registered building surveyor prepares compliant reports that satisfy all LCV requirements.

Prepared by registered building surveyor
Compliant with LCV requirements
Includes internal and external area calculations
Same day and next day service available

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Maximum patron capacity report for liquor licence

Which Licences Require Maximum Patron Capacity?

A maximum patron capacity must be endorsed for applications for the following new licences:

General Licence

Venues where patrons can drink on-site and purchase packaged liquor to take away.

On-Premises Licence

Venues where liquor is supplied for consumption on the premises only.

Restaurant & Cafe Licence

Restaurants and cafes serving alcohol with meals to seated patrons.

Late Night Licence

Venues trading after 1am, including late night on-premises and general licences.

Full Club Licence

Clubs serving liquor to members and guests, including packaged liquor sales.

Restricted Club Licence

Clubs with limited liquor service to members and their guests.

Some existing licences may also require maximum patron capacity endorsement, particularly after venue alterations.

What is a Red Line Plan?

A red line plan defines the area where liquor can be supplied and consumed at your venue. It's a required document for liquor licence applications and must be kept on premises at all times.

Our professional CAD-drawn red line plans meet all LCV requirements and clearly show:

Licensed area outlined in continuous red line
Key fixtures (bar, dining area, kitchen, toilets)
External areas (courtyards, footpath trading)
Non-permanent structures and barriers

You must submit 4 copies of your red line plan with your application—copies go to Victoria Police, LCV, and must be kept on premises.

Red line plan for liquor licence application

What Does the Report Include?

Our maximum patron capacity report provides all the information LCV requires:

Area Calculations

Total area in square metres available to the public for internal premises (excluding toilets, passageways) and any external areas such as courtyards or decks.

Patron Numbers

Number of patrons that can be accommodated based on the standard ratio of one person per 0.75 square metres, for both internal and external areas.

BCA Compliance

Patron numbers that may be accommodated based on Building Code of Australia requirements, including egress and sanitary facilities.

Surveyor Certification

Report prepared and signed by a registered building surveyor with registration number displayed, as required by LCV.

Our Simple Process

We make getting your maximum patron capacity report quick and easy.

1

Send Your Plan

Email us your red line plan in PDF format, or contact us if you need a plan prepared.

2

Site Inspection

We arrange a convenient time to inspect your venue and verify measurements.

3

Report Prepared

Our registered building surveyor prepares your compliant capacity report.

4

Submit to LCV

You receive your report ready to submit with your liquor licence application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998, Liquor Control Victoria can set a maximum patron capacity as a condition of a liquor licence. This prevents overcrowding, ensures patron safety, minimises impact on local amenity, and is used to calculate your annual licence fee. Non-compliance is a breach of the law with penalties for licensees.

LCV accepts one of three documents: a planning permit with maximum patron capacity, an occupancy permit showing prescribed patron capacity, or a report from a registered building surveyor. Even if you have a planning or occupancy permit, LCV may request a building surveyor report if they consider the capacity inappropriate.

Yes. It's a legal requirement to keep a copy of your red line plan on the licensed premises at all times. Victoria Police or LCV compliance inspectors may ask to see it, and you must comply with their request. If you've altered your venue layout, you may need an updated plan.

Patron capacity is calculated based on the usable floor area (excluding toilets, passageways, kitchen, storage) using a ratio of one person per 0.75 square metres. The Building Code of Australia requirements for egress, exits, and sanitary facilities are also considered. Our registered building surveyor ensures calculations comply with all requirements.

You need a new red line plan when applying for a new licence, transferring a licence where the layout differs from the existing plan, varying your licence to change the licensed area, or if you've made alterations to your venue layout. LCV can require you to submit an updated plan at any time under section 101A of the Act.

Liquor Licensing, Maximum Patron Capacity Reports & Red Line Plans