Nine ways to cut the din in noisy restaurants

Noise has become a constant source of annoyance for restaurant patrons.

Bare walls, concrete floors and floor-to-ceiling glass are perfect ingredients for a noisy restaurant.

According to acoustic experts, noise in many Australian restaurants is now reaching levels (above 85dB), which may pose a risk to hearing for patrons and staff.

In Victoria and NSW, 85 dBs is the end of the WorkCover safe limit at which workers can complete an eight-hour day without wearing ear protection.

Much of the noise problem has been attributed to the modern design of restaurants, with a strong focus on minimalism.

“There are few materials in a modern restaurant to absorb the sound,” says Sam Fletcher, a director of Soundblock Solutions, a leading provider of noise control products and solutions. “But there are several ways that restaurants can cut the din.”

Fletcher says restaurants can create a more comfortable environment for patrons by maximising soundproofing and enhancing the acoustics in dining areas. It would also reduce errors of ordering due to miscommunication between patrons and staff – saving time and money.

“There is a broad range of acoustic materials now suitable for commercial applications, he says.  “Reducing intrusive noise can be as simple as adding acoustic-absorbent panels or foam tiles to walls or ceilings.”

Fletcher says many of the latest noise control products are designed to blend in with modern décor.

He offers these nine tips to restaurateurs to help reduce noise levels:

• Use acoustic fabric covered wall panels
• Install sound-absorbing ceiling tiles
• Consider fabrics and other soft furnishings in preference to wood and plastics (Carpets, curtains and tablecloths can all help to reduce noise)
• Put rubber caps on chair legs
• Consider retrofitting secondary acoustic windows to block out traffic and/or aircraft and train noise
• Use petitions and barriers to break up sound paths
• Use sound-absorbers to quell the sound of noisy machinery such as air-conditioning units
• Ensure kitchen doors are soundproofed to block out kitchen noise
• Ensure background music stays that way. Don’t pump up the volume.

Source: Epicure, 16 August 2013