Safety at major events: evacuation plans to become mandatory

As part of the current update to the Public Gathering Places Ordinance (VStättVO), a significant change has been finalised: an evacuation plan will be mandatory in future for venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or more.

Furthermore, the definition of ‘stadiums’ has been expanded. The stricter safety requirements therefore no longer apply solely to sporting events, but also to concerts, shows and other events held in such venues.

This primarily affects event safety officers, venue operators and event managers. Anyone planning large-scale events must in future document specific scenarios – such as severe weather or terrorist threats – in a binding manner within the evacuation plan (Section 42 VStättVO).