Q. I recently acquired a pub with a large outdoor area. The pub is surrounded by local residents who were very supportive of the pub. However, relations have deteriorated after we hosted a series of sporting events and live music outside.
These events are permitted under the premises licence, but I’ve had multiple visits from the Environmental Health Officer following complaints about music and customer noise. I’ve been told a Noise Abatement Notice may be served and my premises licence could be reviewed.
The business isn’t viable long-term without these events, especially with rising costs. What should I do?
A. This is an increasingly common issue.
That said, as a licence holder, you have a legal duty to ensure your operation does not give rise to a statutory nuisance.
Your first step should be to engage proactively with the Environmental Health Officer. Request a meeting to clarify the current position, whether a Noise Abatement Notice has been issued (or is imminent), and whether a licence review application has been submitted. Early dialogue can sometimes prevent escalation.
If a Noise Abatement Notice is served, it is a serious matter. Breaching it can result in prosecution and an unlimited fine. There is a right of appeal to the Magistrates’ Court, but this should only be pursued with specialist legal advice and where there are reasonable grounds.
If your premises licence is reviewed, the matter will go before the Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee. The potential outcomes are significant and include:
- Suspension of the licence (for up to three months)
- Revocation of the licence entirely
- Reduction in permitted hours
- Removal of licensable activities
- Additional or more restrictive licence conditions
Any of these could materially impact your ability to host outdoor events.
To put yourself in the strongest position, you should act quickly and demonstrate that you are taking the concerns seriously. Practical steps include:
- Instructing an acoustic consultant to carry out noise monitoring during events
- Implementing a robust event management plan, including sound control measures
- Introducing or strengthening a dispersal policy to manage how customers leave the premises
- Reviewing speaker placement, volume limits, and event timings
- Keeping records of all mitigation steps taken
It is also advisable to engage directly with local residents. While not always easy, constructive dialogue can help rebuild goodwill and may identify simple solutions (for example, earlier finish times for outdoor music or better communication about event schedules).
Ultimately, the key to defending a licence review is evidence. You need to show you have been proactive, responsive, and willing to take reasonable steps to prevent public nuisance.
A well-documented and professionally supported approach can significantly improve your prospects of retaining your current operating model.
- Alex Tomlinson is a solicitor at Poppleston Allen
