Crowd control posts should have a rubber base or soft pad to protect floor or carpet surface and prevent buildup of rust residue on tiles.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, 5% of all new seating must be designated for the handicapped.

• 14 sq.ft. per person for spacious dining.
• 12 sq.ft. per person for cafeteria or restaurant.
• 10 sq.ft. per person for banquet, institutional or close seating.
• Allow 18" for person seating from edge of table to back of chair.
• Diagonal seating saves floor space. Deuce tables and wall spacing save the most space.
• Allow 42" between squared tables for chairs back to back—leaves 6" to push out.
• Allow 60" between squared tables for chairs back to back—leaves 26" service aisle.
• Allow 24" between corners of diagonal table for customer access—no aisle.
• Allow 30" between corners of diagonal tables for customer access—narrow aisle.

Note: Where space is limited, booths require only 8 sq.ft. per person, including aisle allowance.

Having appropriate seating for children visiting your establishment is very important. Whether it's high chairs, youth chairs or booster seats, the right chair will please both parent and child. The child will be more comfortable and, depending on the style of chair, prevented from roaming around the restaurant. This will allow his parents (and other diners) to enjoy their dining experience. Proper youth seating also benefits your wait staff by allowing them to service a table more effectively. Without the availability of youth seating, parents are forced to place infant carriers and car seats on the floor which can block access to the table or aisle areas.

Safety is another benefit of appropriate youth seating. The possibility of children falling off adult chairs or patrons and staff tripping over a car seat on the floor are eliminated.

For Banquet Seating: When using oblong tables, divide the room area (sq. ft.) by 8. When using round tables, divide the room area (sq. ft.) by 10. These figures are for maximum seating. If space is available for more comfortable seating, allow an additional 2 sq. ft. per person.

For Seminar Seating: Divide "attendee" seating area (sq. ft.) by 8. This formula allows for chair and passage aisle, but not for wide traffic aisles, doors, exits, posts or other obstructions. It is useful for a quick approximation.

When planning seating several factors must be considered: Cost per square foot per person. Approximate tables for best usage of space. Ease of providing service to tables.