Bar owners making noise about identity
GOLD Coast hospitality operators are sounding out the boundaries on what venues can and can’t do.
With no-food small bars and open-air rooftop trading now permitted by the city council, traders say raising noise limits for restaurants could be the next step in forging a Gold Coast hospitality identity.
Palm Beach restaurant 8th Ave Terrace has won a sixmonth battle to boost its outdoor dining area noise limit from 75 decibels (the standard Queensland restaurant liquor licence limit) to 90 decibels.
“For the last six months we’ve been going though the due process of getting external noise limit for the terrace raised so we can create a more casual, vibrant environment on the terrace,” coowner Shannon Baier-Dry said.
“Given the climate here, it makes sense that our locals and tourists should be able to embrace outdoor alfresco dining and entertainment.
“If we have more alfresco rooftop dining, it could become representative of the new-age Coast experience.
“You go to Melbourne and people go out no matter what the weather, go to hidey holes because it suits the location.
“Ours is different and I think we are starting to see our own identity come to life.”
Applications entail having an Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation approved acoustic engineer conduct midnight testing to determine who will be affected by an increase in noise levels.
Successful venues such as 8th Ave Terrace will need to have a decibel meter operating at all times and ensure live acts are aware of acceptable decibel levels.
According to the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research, in 2016 Gold Coast food and beverage services contributed to a gross output/total sales of more than $1.5 billion to the economy, with more that $950 million of that coming from locals.
“It’s good for us, but it’s good for entire areas,” Mr Baier-Dry said.
“Everyone can now create spaces that encourage live music, encourage midweek trade – we’re open seven days – and encourage later diners.
“And I would encourage other local businesses to do what they can to strengthen the Gold Coast’s identity, because we have so much potential.”