Guideline 16: Control of entertainment noise

When granting an application for, or variation to, a liquor licence, the Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming may impose conditions or make a decision based on the sound retention qualities of the subject premises.

The following conditions may be used in these instances, with the exception of applications relating to a nightclub licence:

  1. If the applicant does not intend to conduct amplified entertainment on the premises or is not prepared to obtain an acoustic report from a qualified acoustic consultant, the following conditions may be imposed:
    1. Noise emanating from the premises including amplified or non-amplified noise and patron noise must not exceed 75dB(C), fast response, when measured approximately 3 metres from the primary source of the noise.
    2. Non-amplified entertainers or speakers used to amplify noise must not be located in any outdoor, verandah, patio, footpath or beer garden area of the premises.
  2. If the applicant submits an appropriate acoustic report, as outlined in Guideline 51: Preparing an acoustic report the following condition will be imposed:
    1. Noise emanating from the premises including amplified or non-amplified noise and patron noise must not exceed (level to be determined based on acoustic report recommendations) dB(C), fast response, when measured approximately 3 metres from the primary source of the noise.

If the report includes a recommendation for outdoor amplification, Condition 2(a) will be imposed and amended to include outdoor speakers. If no recommendation is included, Condition 1(b) will be imposed.

If the report does not carry recommendations for all public parts of the premises, Conditions 1(a) and 1(b) will be imposed on those public areas not covered by the report, and Condition 2(a) will be imposed on those areas that are covered by the report.

If the report also includes provisos relating to issues such as windows or doors being closed during the conduct of entertainment, appropriate conditions will be imposed.

For applications relating to a nightclub licence, or for any other licence type in which the provision of entertainment is a major part of trade, an acoustic report must be submitted. If the report shows that the premises cannot contain noise with a source level of 120dB(Lin) or greater, a noise limiter must be installed prior to the licence or variation being granted.

Conditions relating to the noise limiter will be determined depending on the type of limiter installed. Additional conditions may also be imposed having regard to some of the matters outlined in point 2 above.

Re-issued 18 September 2015
(Issued 24 February 1995; re-issued 28 August 1998; re-issued 22 May 2009; re-issued 29 October 2012)

Also consider...

  • Last reviewed: 26 Nov 2021
  • Last updated: 26 Nov 2021