Make Some Noise: Greg Mulholland MP backs campaign

The PMA​ will be meeting Mulholland in Parliament later this month to discuss a strategy to lobby the Government to implement an ‘agent-of-change principle’. This would mean people moving close to an existing pub would be responsible for soundproofing their homes, rather than the onus being on licensees.

This will be followed by a panel meeting, on a date yet to be set, where publicans will be invited to share experiences of noise complaints.

Respect​

Mulholland, who is Liberal Democrat MP for Leeds North West, said: “Local businesses are so often the bedrock of communities, providing jobs, entertainment and bringing local residents together. If new residents choose to move to a home near such businesses, that is a choice they have made and they should respect the local businesses that will have been there for many years before, especially if the existing residents have not complained.

“The current situation makes life more difficult for hard-pressed publicans around the country and live music, in addition to being a great form of entertainment, draws customers into pubs.

“We should be supporting pubs to act as the heart of thriving communities and that is why I am backing the PMA​’s Make Some Noise​ campaign to implement an agent of change principle.

“Many communities will warmly welcome new neighbours and help them settle in, but local pubs that have supported these communities for years should not be responsible for the choices of these new residents.”

Best practice​

Mike Weatherley, Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, chaired a Parliamentary debate on the importance of live music. He announced his support of the campaign but warned pubs need to make sure they follow best practice and the guidance suggested by the Noise Abatement Society.