From time to time
The capacity test looks at your predictable peaks, not your average — a busy night that happens occasionally still counts.
The Act asks how many people may reasonably be expected 'from time to time'. This means your predictable busy occasions — a match day, a sell-out show, the Friday before Christmas — not a quiet midweek average.
If you can reasonably foresee a peak that reaches 200 (or 800), it counts toward your tier even if it only happens a handful of times a year.
Who it affects: Any venue whose numbers spike on certain nights.
Related terms
Capacity (number reasonably expected)
The number of people reasonably expected at the same time — including staff — not your seating, licensed or fire capacity.
Standard tier
Premises where 200 to 799 people may reasonably be expected at the same time. Requires simple, low-cost public protection procedures.
See where your venue stands
The free readiness checker gives you an indicative tier in about five minutes, with the reasoning and the official guidance it rests on.
Run the free check →What this is — and what it is not
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