The new Code follows the general principles of safety and the organisational parameters set out in the other Codes. These reflect the recommendations of the Report of the Hamilton Committee on Crowd Control. The Code sets out the minimum functional requirements for the safe organisation and management of concerts. It provides practical guidance and advice for promoters on a wide range of parameters relevant to crowd control such as event planning and management, crowd management, the use of barriers, stewarding, and emergency medical facilities. Other aspects dealt with include fire precautions and fire safety, structural matters, electrical installation and communications.
Indoor concerts take place in a wide variety of venues and cover a wide range of events.
The Code is not intended to apply to the smaller type of event held in pubs, discos, etc. The Code will operate in a voluntary manner. The history of, and experience with, the two previous Codes is that the voluntary, flexible approach has worked well, the Minister said. The Minister added that his Department and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform will examine the issue of licensing indoor concerts, including the implementation of the recommendation made by the Hamilton Committee on Crowd Control on the licensing of indoor concerts with audiences above 2,000 people and the role which local authorities might play in such a licensing system.