15Aug07 goldcoast.com.auGOLD Coast nightclubs are likely to be told to turn their music down and their lights up because of serious concerns about health and safety.
A Liquor Licensing source told The Gold Coast Bulletin the organisation had received a report on excessive noise levels at Gold Coast nightclubs highlighting 'real concerns' staff and patrons could end up with permanent hearing damage.
Tests have shown many of our nightclubs frequently exceed 110 decibels which overseas studies have shown can damage hearing after 15 minutes exposure a day ...
The police report has recommended nightclubs operate at a maximum level of 96dB.
"The report explained there are accepted medical studies that have been available for some time from the UK showing that three out of four nightclubbers are at risk of permanent hearing damage." said the source.
"Many of these nightclubbers are reporting symptoms that could lead to incurable tinnitus (continual ringing in the ear) or premature deafness.
"(The report) also touched on some problems encountered by staff and police at some Gold Coast nightclubs with not being able to communicate instructions to patrons because of the extremely loud noise." ...
