Australia’s biggest pub could become even bigger with its operator applying for an additional 500-person capacity to accommodate a regular patronage of 3,000 people.
Australia’s biggest pub could become even bigger with its operator applying for an additional 500-person capacity to accommodate a regular patronage of 3,000 people.
The Camfield operator Three Pound Group, through Riverbridge Hospitality Pty Ltd, has applied to the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) for an increased capacity.
Three Pound Group proposed to increase The Camfield’s patronage from 2,500 to 3,000 people.
The Camfield is the country's biggest pub with five bars, 175 beer taps, micro-brewery, and a beer garden on a 9,000 square metre site next to Optus Stadium.
Three Pound Group general manager Tim McLernon told Business News the increased capacity would help reduce lines of about 1,200 people on regular nights.
Mr McLernon said after six years of operation, the time was right to expand the patronage.
"From our point of view, The Camfield [currently] operates at 59 per cent of its potential capacity," he said.
"Our current situation is that we operate well under what our venue capacity could be."
Mr McLernon told Business News if the increased limit was approved, the venue would be operating at 70 per cent of its potential capacity and would not be overcrowded.
In its application, Riverbridge Hospitality said the venue regularly attracted considerably more people than it was able to lawfully accommodate.
“On a regular basis over the period that the venue has traded since opening, the venue reaches its maximum accommodation of 2,500 persons, leaving hundreds of persons waiting in queues outside the venue seeking admission," the application reads.
“This occurs on the great majority of event days and regularly on non-event days that fall on a weekend or public holiday.”
One-off permits for increased capacity had been approved for The Camfield since 2018, for major events including concerts and sporting matches at Optus Stadium.
In The Camfield’s application, the operator claimed security staff routinely dealt with complaints from members of the public including people who leave the stadium after failing to enter the pub.
“The frustration and disappointment expressed by patrons and potential patrons on such occasions is heightened by the fact that it is plainly apparent to them that the premises are not crowded and could comfortably accommodate many more persons than it does,” the application reads.
The application comes amid DLGSC’s crackdown on overcrowding at venues with liquor licensing.
Liquor Licensing director Lanie Chopping said licensees could face prosecution, after Racing, Gaming and Liquor inspectors reported significant breaches to occupancy limits.
“Our inspectors will continue to monitor the crowd size inside licensed premises and take enforcement action when a breach of any licence condition is identified,” she said.
“Breaches of occupancy limits may result in prosecution under the relevant legislation, resulting in fines and, in some cases, suspension or the loss of a trading licence.
“Overcrowding presents clear risks to health and safety in the event of an emergency that requires evacuation.
“It also increases the likelihood of aggression and violence, and reduces the ability of staff to monitor patrons to ensure the responsible service of alcohol.”
Inspectors have reviewed CCTV vision and counted the number of people entering and leaving the licenced premises to identify the breaches, according to DLGSC.
