Noise fears over change in music laws

By James Wilmore

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Live music Licensing officers License Music Performance

Noise complaints would increase if the government changes the laws around the licensing of live music, council licensing officers have warned. In a...

Noise complaints would increase if the government changes the laws around the licensing of live music, council licensing officers have warned.

In a survey conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA), nine out of 10 licensing officers said changes to the law would lead to a rise in noise complaints from pub neighbours.

The poll was conducted to gauge reaction to Labour's plans to allow a licensing exemption for venues with a capacity of 100 or fewer.

But less than three per cent of licensing officers thought the changes would lead to a rise in "threats to public safety" or an increase in "crime and disorder".

Cllr Chris White, chair of the LGA's Culture, Tourism and Sport board, said: "Families should be able to put their children to bed in peace, and be able to relax in their homes without being disturbed by noise from licensed premises.

"The size of an audience is not a good way of judging the likely impact of an event."

He admitted pubs and bars are "often good neighbours" and would not want to disturb neighbours.

But he added: "Common sense measures to allow pubs and bars to put on live music with a minimum of bureaucracy are already in place and make further amendments pointless."

Plans for an exemption were announced after the Culture, Media and Sport committee recommended an exemption for venues with a 200 capacity or fewer - saying it would encourage live music without affecting the licensing objectives.

Live music campaigners and many licensees favour a relaxation of the laws to help make it easier for pubs to host live music - and have backed The Publican​'s Listen Up!​ campaign.

A consultation on the proposed changes is due to launch soon, but may not come now until the New Year.

Related topics Legislation

Property of the week

Follow us

Pub Trade Guides

View more