New Gold Coast hotspot under investigation

The newly opened Burleigh Pavilion is being investigated following a series of noise complaints — but its owner insists the venue is doing nothing wrong.

IT hasn’t even been open two weeks and already the $10 million revamped Burleigh Pavilion is being investigated for noise complaints, but owner Ben May insists the venue has done nothing wrong.

The Office of Liquor and Gaming has confirmed receiving noise complaints and that officers are investigating “allegations of noncompliance” with the Liquor Act.

It would not say yesterday how many noise complaints had been made or what the issues of “noncompliance” were.

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Thousands attend the new swanky venue every night. Photo: Glenn Hampson

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Police said they had received three complaints on January 1.

On New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day the popular new party venue had DJs performing, attracting thousands of people, according to Mr May — but nearby residents weren’t impressed.

Burleigh local Chris Atherton, who said he had lived in Goodwin Terrace on Burleigh Hill for more than seven years, was not happy about the new venue.

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“They’ve just opened and have huge crowds, but Burleigh Heads is a family place,” he said.

“We never voted for a nightclub. It will change the character of Burleigh.”

Burleigh Pavilion with a huge crowd on its first week of trading. Photo: Glenn Hampson

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Mr Atherton said he made two complaints at 7pm and 10pm on New Year’s Day.

“I made two complaints to the manager personally,” he said.

“I called police but they said it’s a liquor licensing issue.

“I also complained to council but they weren’t interested.”

Another Burleigh local, who would not be named, said she was concerned about the type of people attending the area.

Burleigh Pavilion with a huge crowd on its first week of trading. Picture Glenn Hampson

“They have a lot of bouncers and security which is an indication they have big parties,” she said.

“Burleigh is a lovely family orientated area and they want to attract a different type of person to the pavilion.”

But Burleigh Pavilion owner Ben May said his venue was operating within its licence.

“I’m sorry people are upset, but we are within the law,” he said.

“It is very clear and I’m very comfortable we are within our trading guidelines.

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An artists impression of Burleigh Pavilion before opening.

“I don’t see this as problematic. It’s a business. We anticipated it.

“When we have built something as big as it is, people will either love it or there will always be the 0.1 per cent of people who hate it.”

The new venue opened to the public on December 22 and since then thousands of people had walked through the doors every day.

Mr May estimated that over the past week more than 10,000 people had gone through the doors to enjoy drinks and food with beachfront views.

“It’s the busiest week of the year. We don’t see it trading like this all the time,” he said.

“But everything we are doing now is legal.”

Mr May said he had spoken to two men in person on the evening of New Year’s Day who made complaints.