I've been in most of these situations. The one I never could solve was at several regular gigs -- where some people paid to hear the music, some paid to socalize, and some paid to socialize with background music. Sound systems don't work they just add to the din. The owners of the venues had a bet each way. The policy was -- provide food and a comfortable setting and let them fight it out. I'd be always defending the rights of the socializers -- they had a valid augument - but there'd be the quiet people who said the venue promised live music and they had come to hear it.
There are some things I don't miss. Now-- just how to stay sane without performing? - that's the problem.
Cheers, Joy