What does statutory compliance mean in the context of assembly areas?

Statutory compliance in the context of assembly areas refers to adhering to all local laws and regulations regarding safety and occupancy. This ensures that venues meet safety standards, occupancy limits, and other regulations designed to protect the health and safety of individuals within those spaces. Compliance helps prevent accidents and ensures that emergency procedures can be executed effectively, thus safeguarding both the public and the venue's operators.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the concept of statutory compliance. Ignoring regulations undermines the purpose of ensuring safety and may result in legal repercussions. Following only non-mandatory guidelines does not fulfill the requirement for statutory compliance, which focuses exclusively on mandatory laws. Additionally, regulating staff behavior alone does not encompass all aspects of compliance, as it must also involve structural, operational, and safety regulations related to the assembly area itself.