Noise from licensed premises

The Council supports businesses and wants people to enjoy themselves. However, a resident's right to peaceful enjoyment of their homes can be affected by events from licensed premises.

The majority of complaints about noise from licensed premises are a result of ‘entertainment’ of some sort. This can be:

  • Noise from live or recorded amplified music
  • Television or video
  • Musical instruments
  • Public address systems

Loud music from licensed premises can be particularly problematic at night, as low frequency noise (bass) can often be heard some distance from the noise source.

We will investigate noise from premises that hold a premises licence, such as bars, pubs, nightclubs and takeaways.

If we receive a complaint about noise from a licensed premises, we will make the licensing team aware of the complaint and the management of the premises will be advised we have received a complaint. We will then ask that they take the necessary action to remedy the problem. If this approach does not resolve the matter, and there is no immediate licensing breach we can pursue, we will investigate the alleged nuisance. You will be asked to keep a noise diary. If specific events cause a problem, and these are advertised locally, let us know when they are happening and we’ll try to make arrangements to attend to monitor the noise.

Under the Licensing Act 2003, any responsible authority (which includes the Council and Police) can request a review of a premises licence if it is felt that any of the licensing objectives are not being upheld. As a result of a review, additional conditions may be imposed, such as changes in licensable activities or a restriction in a premises operating hours.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 allows us to serve a noise abatement notice where we are satisfied that a Statutory Nuisance exists or is likely to occur. A noise abatement notice is a legal document that requires those responsible for the nuisance to abate it. Failure to comply with such a Notice is a criminal offence.

In some circumstances, licensed premises have conditions contained within their licence which they have to comply with in relation to some of the above.

Under the Licensing Act, any local resident or business owner can make an application for review of a premises licence if it is felt that any of the licensing objectives are not being upheld in relation to the premises. The licensing team will be able to advise you further on this process.

As a result of a review, additional conditions may be imposed, such as changes in licensable activities or a restriction in a premises operating hours.

See the download section for a guide on noise from licensed premises.