KEY POINTS:
If you're having trouble ordering a drink in Nelson bars and nightclubs it might be because staff are wearing earplugs.
Bar staff are being recommended to wear the earplugs after a Department of Labour survey noise levels in the city's nightspots had the potential to cause hearing damage.
Department of Labour staff took readings at seven Nelson premises during the survey,
Noise levels in three bars were excessive, although the managers or owners reduced them to acceptable levels immediately.
Managers at Club Monopoly and Phat Club said earplugs were available for sale for patrons at the venue, but the offer was not up usually taken up and staff never used them.
"If they don't like the music, they don't work here," said Phat Club owner Dave White.
Rock Bar and Night Club owner Ron Taylor said "a few" staff wore earplugs.
- NZPA
