Which of the following is a hazard associated with holiday gatherings in large public assembly venues?

Overcrowding at holiday gatherings in large public assembly venues poses a significant hazard primarily because it can impede safe exit routes and increase the risk of injuries during an emergency, such as a fire. When a venue is filled beyond its intended capacity, individuals may find it difficult to move freely towards exits, which can lead to panic and escalating situations in the event of an evacuation.

Moreover, overcrowding can strain resources such as fire safety measures, emergency services response times, and crowd management protocols. In essence, it creates an environment where not only is the safety of individuals compromised, but the efficiency of contingency responses in emergencies is also challenged.

While the other options may present risks in different contexts, overcrowding directly impacts the safety and evacuation of large groups, making it a key concern during such gatherings. Excessive lighting, high voltage power supply issues, and low-budget event planning can also contribute to risks, but none have the immediate and intense impact on crowd safety that overcrowding entails.