Noise warning for pubs
Pubs are being warned to prepare for changes to the Noise Act which could see noisy pubs hit with £5,000 fines.
From next month, the Act has been extended to include licensed premises and gives authorities the power to hit pubs with £500 on-the-spot fines – which can rise to £5,000.
Penalties
Leading licensing solicitor Lionel Fynn says pubs need to be aware of the penalties.
He told morningadvertiser.co.uk: “The new regulations under the Noise Act 1996 cut through some of the existing red tape and will make it easier for a complainant to have action taken.
“Noise complaints to local authorities from householders have rocketed in recent years, especially in town and city centres as the number of late opening premises has risen.”
Fynn, a senior partner in Horsey, Lightly, Fynn, said: “Persistent offenders now have to face up to a wide range of enforcement powers, including fixed penalty notices, fines in default, statutory abatement notices, closure of premises and seizure of offending equipment, all of which may be followed by a review of the licence.”
Smoke ban
He also warned that the smoking ban could have an impact on noise outside pubs.
He added: “Some licensed premises are already seeking permission to put up structures outside where their customers can smoke.
“Since these will need to be 50% open to the elements, not including the roof, to be exempt from the regulations, you can already see there could be added noise on a busy Friday or Saturday night for instance.”
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