Licensee survives review after one neighbour complains over noise

A disgruntled licensee has accused his local council of "shabby" treatment over a licence review hearing sparked by noise complaints from just one neighbour.

Colin Stoneley, who runs the Merry Harriers, the only pub in the village of Hambledon, Surrey, with his wife Julie, said they had suffered "massive stress" due to the six-month battle with Waverley Borough Council.

At a licence review hearing last week two new conditions were placed on the licence, but Mrs Stoneley was allowed to remain as the designated premises supervisor.

Villagers rallied round in support of the pub and 62 letters backing them were received by the council, compared to two against.

The conditions include installing noise insulation for the doors and windows and a noise limiter.

The pub was originally served with a noise abatement order in April, after a complaint from a neighbour about "excessive noise" from music outside.

The council then registered two breaches of the order and instigated a licence review.

But Mr Stoneley - who along with Julie was nominated for the newcomer of the year title at this year's Publican Awards - said the two events were special occasions, one a wedding and one a village party. The pub normally only has music once a month and a third of that is acoustic, he said.

"We have been treated very shabbily," he said. "I understand why local authorities have to investigate complaints. But they should not just take everything they are told at face value."

Robin Pellow, the council's head of licensing and democratic services: "Our licensing team follows the legislation set out in the Licensing Act 2003 in all cases. We treat all applicants in a fair and consistent manner remaining independent from responsible authorities, including ones within our authority.

"In the case of the Merry Harriers, their licence had the provision of indoor music only. The wording of their new licence makes it explicit that music outdoors is not permitted."