Noise from Pubs and Clubs

Noise from pubs and clubs can lead to a nuisance which affects neighbours. This is an increasing problem taking into account modern amplification equipment, music styles and recent smoke-free regulations.

I live close to a local pub and am constantly bothered by their late night weekend discos, what can I do?

• First, it's a good idea to check the premises have a licence to play live or recorded music. Every licensed premises should have a summary of their licence displayed in a prominent position for the public to view. If you can't view the summary, contact us and speak to a |licensing officer.
  
  
• If the premises licence permits live or recorded music but it is causing you a nuisance, we suggest you discuss your concerns with the licence holder or the manager of the premises. Remember to keep a record of your conversation.
  
  
• If after a suitable period of adjustment there is no improvement, start gathering evidence and complete a |nuisance record sheet

There are two options for dealing with noise from licensed premises, either:

• Seek to |review the premises licence on the grounds of 'prevention of public nuisance', or
  
  
• Contact Environmental Health & Licensing and register your complaint using our |online noise reporting form . You can then forward your completed nuisance record sheet (it is also possible to scan and upload record sheets using our online noise reporting form) and we will investigate the complaint. If the noise amounts to a |statutory nuisance then we can serve a Noise Abatement Notice on the licensee preventing further noise nuisance. Failure to comply with this notice is a criminal offence.

I've recently taken over a licensed premises and want to hold music nights on Fridays and Saturdays. What should I do?

• First, check that your premises licence allows this, and if not contact our |licensing officers to discuss the possibility of |amending your licence.
  
  
• Consider how any noise from your music nights could affect your neighbours, not only the music but also noise from the use of smoking shelters and patrons leaving.

Following your assessment put in place controls to ensure your neighbours are not disturbed. This may include:

• Keeping all windows closed and installing air-conditioning to compensate.
• Providing lobbied doors to prevent noise breakout.
• Obtaining specialist advice on speaker positions and sound insulation from an |Acoustic Consultant.
• Ensuring good management controls are in place by periodically checking noise levels from the road and garden during events, monitoring the activities of the DJ and keeping the doors and windows closed.