NOISE POLICY
Control of Noise from Pubs and Clubs
The main source of noise associated with The Grove Tavern is musical entertainment, although noise can also originate from patrons using beer gardens, and patrons leaving the premises. This guidance suggests way to avoid noise nuisance and so maintain good public relations with your neighbours. It will also enable you to formulate a noise management plan and operating schedule to prevent public nuisance and meet the Council’s licensing objectives under the Licensing Act 2003.
Entertainment Noise
The provision of entertainment for patrons in pubs and clubs is traditional and is an important part of community life. It attracts business for the licensee but can also lead to noise nuisance, sometimes badly affecting neighbours. Modern amplification and music styles make this an increasing problem. Paying attention to the following issues will ensure we are taking reasonable steps to minimise disturbance.
Volume and Bass
Simply lowering the volume will go a long way to avoiding noise nuisance. Bass frequencies are usually the main concern of complainants so particular attention should be given to reducing these levels.
Windows and Doors
Keep these shut, including emergency doors.
Sound system design
We use a system that enables easy control over volume and bass. It is concealed so that only authorised personnel have access. The Grove Tavern does not use visiting DJs and Karaoke DJs.
Management of Entertainers
All Acts booked for The Grove Tavern have to agree to our terms and conditions of business. These can be found on The Grove website.
Efficient management of entertainers is essential. These are our premises and it is our responsibility. Check outside your premises during the evening to assess noise levels on all noise-sensitive boundaries. Try to put yourself in the position of our neighbours rather than the manager of a pub. If it is too loud turn it down or adjust the bass. Do not let the volume creep up during the evening.
Pub Gardens and Other Outside Areas Take care of the noise level in our pub garden as this can easily cause a noise nuisance to our neighbours. Careful consideration should be given to the siting of gardens and play areas. Where complaints have already arisen, consideration should be given to restricting the use of bar gardens/play areas to avoid noise into the late evening. Signage should be clearly visible and regular monitoring must be done at all times.
Rowdy Behaviour
Tone down the type of music towards the end of an event. Encourage disposal of patrons away from our premises and discourage taxis from sounding horns. Notices have been posted close to exit doors requesting patrons to leave and disperse quietly. Relay a similar message through a PA system where used. Door staff/hosts should assist in minimising disturbance by actively managing entrances and exits.
Storage Areas
Where premises are in noise-sensitive areas the handling of beer kegs, bottles and other similar items should be avoided in the late evening, at night and in the early morning. Where complaints have been received staff should be instructed to place empty bottles in internal storage areas at the close of business for disposal outside at a more reasonable time. Ensure that means of escape are not blocked.
Relations with Neighbours
We listen to your neighbours. All staff should be approachable and sympathetic to the concerns or complaints of neighbours. All our neighbours know how to contact us and we take time to visit them to listen to their side of the problem and have residents meetings. Establishing a good relationship with them is to our advantage and paramount.
The Grove Tavern engages with members of local resident groups.
Noise Management Policy
You should be aware that in accordance with current guidance and legislation, the hours of 23:00 to 07:00 are considered nighttime and that protection of sleep disturbance during these hours is of paramount importance to the Council. Noise from activities carried on beyond 23:00 hours should not be audible at the nearest residential facade and all reasonable steps should be taken to ensure that customers leave and disperse from our premises without causing public nuisance or disorder. Our noise management plan should reflect this priority.
Legislative Controls
Environmental Protection Act 1990
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 requires the Local Authority to undertake a reasonable investigation of all complaints received. Officers will interview the complainant and the proprietor to see if the matter can be resolved informally. If this is not possible a comprehensive investigation will be carried out involving monitoring of the noise at the complainant's property to determine whether noise from the premises is causing a Statutory Nuisance. Where a nuisance is found to exist, the Act requires the Local Authority to serve an Abatement Notice upon the person responsible. The Notice will require the noise to be abated within a fixed period of time. Failure to comply with the requirements of an Abatement Notice, without reasonable excuse, is a criminal offence and fines of up to £20,000 may be imposed by Magistrates.
The Grove Tavern has a policy on how to deal with visiting Authorities.
Licensing Act 2003
Activities requiring a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 should be conducted in a manner which promotes the prevention of public nuisance. The advice given in this guide will enable you to formulate a noise management plan to comply with the Council’s licensing objectives. Every business is required to assess the potential for noise problems in relation to their particular licensable premises and activity and has in place an operating schedule which enables the Environmental Health Service as a Responsible Authority under the Act to assess whether the steps taken to promote this licensing objective are satisfactory. Please also refer to the paragraph below relating to Health and Safety as the protection of public safety is also a licensing objective.
