More noise complaints plague trendy hotspot Cali Beach Club at Surfers Paradise

A new $10m Surfers Paradise rooftop venue has been hit with fresh complaints as operators look to change its licence and expand with a new function space.

A NEXT-LEVEL Gold Coast rooftop party precinct is facing more noise complaints as the operator seeks to change its licence so it can expand with another “function space”.

Hospitality watchdog, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR), revealed it has received multiple noise complaints about the venue which are being actively investigated.

The Cali Beach Girls ahead of the opening of Cali Beach Club. Picture: Glenn Hampson

A Surfers Paradise resident is blasting newly-launched $10m Cali Beach Club – on the roof of an Elkhorn Ave-Surfers Paradise Boulevard corner – for noise and “amplified music”.

“Cali Beach Club is nothing more than a poolside DJ party, and a DJ party should be in a nightclub behind closed and soundproof doors,” the resident said.

“I don’t want to shut down the club, but I want all amplified music to stop. And so does everyone else that I speak to in my neighbourhood.”

The resident supplied video of music pumping from the Artesian Hospitality Group venue at 3pm on a recent Sunday and 4pm on a Saturday.

He added it would be the “summer from hell” if the venue – lauded by Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate and Destination Gold Coast chairman Paul Donovan – was allowed to change its licence.

OLGR confirmed it had also received a complaint about Public Health Act requirements relating to alleged overcrowding on top of the “several” noise complaints about the club.

“As a result of the noise complaints, OLGR has commenced and is continuing its noise resolution process,” a spokesman said.

Cali Beach Club in Surfers Paradise.

“The Public Health Act complaint related to an allegation the premises exceeded its permitted occupant density and failed to ensure physical distancing between patrons.

“An investigation by OLGR did not substantiate occupant density as being exceeded and the licensee was reminded to ensure reasonable measures are in place to facilitate the distribution of people across the premises.”

Artesian partner Matt Keegan said the venue was working to minimise noise levels but it had met the requirements outlined in its liquor licence.

“It’s quite standard for (noise complaints) to occur with a new venue,” he said.

“We have consulted broadly with the community. The overwhelming response from the community has been a positive one.”

The OLGR has received an application to change the club’s restaurant licence to a commercial hotel licence, advertised for community comment from July 12 to August 9.

“In determining the application, the Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming will, among other things, consider the concerns raised in response to the public advertising process along with any other stakeholder comment,” the OLGR spokesman said.

Artesian Group’s Matt Keegan and Mayor Tom Tate at the opening of Cali Beach Club. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“There are no proposed changes to the current trading hours as part of the commercial hotel licence application.”

Mr Keegan said the venue had to change its licence because of an added function space, but the new licence would not change operating hours or noise limits.

It’s not the first time a resident has complained about its noise levels.

Earlier this month, Surfers Paradise resident Wendy Manzo described the sound emanating as “horrendous”, saying she had been beside herself “in tears” trying to sleep.

The Cali Beach Club had opened its doors weeks earlier – with celebrities, Instagrammers and public figures flocking to the launch party.

It boasts a volleyball space in a giant sandpit, multiple swimming pools, an Asian fusion restaurant, outdoor movie theatre and VIP pool-edge cabanas with hospitality packages costing thousands. Entry is free.

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