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 smokefree 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 Team.
• If the premises licence permits live or recorded music but it is causing you a nuisance, we suggest you initially discuss your concerns with the licence holder or the manager of the premises. Keep a record of your conversation.
• If after a suitable period of adjustment there is no improvement, contact Environment Health to discuss the problem or open a formal complaint using the form below.

Report a problem online

Details about how to make a complaint and how the council will deal with it can be found in the report a problem section.

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 Team 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/Environmental Health.
• Ensuring good management controls are in place by periodically checking noise levels from the boundary of your neighbours properties during events, monitoring the activities of the DJ and keeping the doors and windows closed.