Smoking ban causes rise in noise complaints

Councils have been issued with new guidance on dealing with noise outside pubs and restaurants after a sharp rise in complaints since the smoking ban.

Local authority co-ordinating body LACORS said most councils had recieved complaints, which have risen particularly in town centres and other built-up areas.

In Brighton complaints have jumped from one a year to 60, with most councils reporting complaints in double figures, LACORS said.

The new guidance, produced by LACORS and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, sets out the powers available to councils to deal with the issue of nuisance and the options they can consider when investigating residents' complaints.

Cllr Geoffrey Theobald OBE, chairman of LACORS, said: "Councils have a number of options open to them so it's good news that they now have a one-stop-shop for advice on dealing with noise from licensed premises."

"Noise levels in our towns and cities are rising so it's good news that many councils are already working closely with pubs and clubs in their area so they can address any noise problems before enforcement action is needed."

Under the Noise Act 1996, which was recently extended to include licensed premises, councils now have an extra power to deal with night-time noise.

Licensees can be given an instant penalty of £500 over excessive noise coming from their premises, such as a beer garden or 'smoking shelter' - but could also be prosecuted and fined up to £20,000 if they fail to comply with a warning from the council.

Councils can also use the licensing regime to tackle the problem of noise from people gathering on pavements outside pubs and clubs.