Tougher workplace noise regulations came into force on 6 April in the UK.

Only the music and entertainment industries are exempt, having until April 2008 to comply.

Aimed at eliminating all new cases of occupational hearing damage, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 will affect more than one million people.

The regulations require employers to make hearing protection available to workers when noise levels reach 80db.

Employers will also need to put in place proportionate noise reduction measures and provide hearing protection on request.

A spokesperson from the Bar, Entertainment and Dance Association (BEDA) said: “To comply with these regulations only takes common sense from operators. Moving staff around, using directional speakers and having it quieter in the bar areas, where most of your staff are located, makes perfect operational sense.”

A spokesperson for one of the UK’s biggest nightclub owners, Luminar, said that the group was aware of the upcoming regulations and that its plans will hinge around staff deployment into sensitive and non-sensitive areas. It is not anticipating the regulations to have an effect on its business.