Event Security Planning in Victoria: Guard Counts, Liquor Rules, and Timelines
When an event needs security, how many guards to book, what BC liquor rules require, and a planning timeline for Victoria venues.
By Akash Sidhu
Owner and Managing Director, Onward Security · Updated September 1, 2026
Whether it is a summer festival at Ship Point, a corporate dinner at the Empress, or a wedding at a Saanich winery, security is part of the event plan. This is what Victoria organizers need to know.
When you need security
Book professional security if your event involves:
- Alcohol. Licensed events usually need security under the permit conditions, and always benefit from it.
- A crowd over 100. Someone has to manage lines, entries, and exits.
- A public venue. Parks, beaches, and public squares often require security as a permit condition.
- VIP guests. Corporate events, fundraisers, and private functions with high-profile attendees.
- Tickets. Someone has to check them, and check bags at the door.
How many guards
The ratio depends on the event type and the crowd:
| Event type | Ratio | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Low-risk (corporate, seated) | 1:100 to 1:150 | 200-person dinner, 2 guards |
| Medium-risk (licensed, mixed) | 1:50 to 1:75 | 500-person gala, 7 to 10 guards |
| High-risk (festival, outdoor) | 1:25 to 1:50 | 2,000-person concert, 40 to 80 guards |
Treat these as starting points. Your provider should look at the venue layout, the crowd, and the bar plan before recommending a number.
BC liquor compliance
If alcohol is served, your security team needs to know BC liquor rules and the conditions of your Special Event Permit:
- ID checks at entry and at the bar
- watching for intoxication and over-service
- managing last call and the exit
- coordinating with bar staff on service refusals
Onward event guards are trained on these rules. It is part of the standard event service.
What your provider should deliver
- a site visit before the event to plan positions and spot risks
- written post orders for every guard
- a radio or phone link between guards and your event lead
- documented de-escalation procedures
- shift logs and incident reports within 24 hours
Planning timeline
- 6 to 8 weeks out: contact your provider, book the site visit, confirm permit conditions.
- 2 to 4 weeks out: confirm guard count, review post orders, brief your own team.
- 1 week out: confirm logistics and radio plan.
- Event day: guards arrive an hour before doors for briefing and setup.
Summer dates in Victoria fill up early. If your event is between June and September, book security when you book the venue.