Pubs and clubs can take measures to avoid annoying nuisance from entertainment noise.
Legal responsibilities
Entertainment venues that are providing amplified music or entertainment must apply for a public entertainment licence. The licensing team consults with noise pollution officers to ensure that the licence is appropriately assessed.
Noise pollution officers make regular visits to ensure that the licence conditions are adhered to. Under the Licensing Act 2003, residents can request a review of licence if they have solid grounds for complaint, such as when the venue is creating too much noise or mess.
Find out more about how the Licensing Act affects entertainment businesses in our Business section.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, noise pollution officers must take action to stop or prevent nuisance noise. If an abatement or prohibition notice is served, and subsequently contravened, the courts can impose a fine.
How to avoid problems
- Fit a noise-limiting device.
- Install secondary glazing or locking curtain windows, where windows point at residential neighbours.
- Lobbied entrances (double doors); external doors should be close-fitting to prevent noise from “leaking out”.
- Mechanical ventilation, or even some air conditioning units, may become necessary.
- You may need to ensure the music will cut out if emergency exits are opened. Also ensure the place is ventilated so customers aren't tempted to open the emergency exits.
Pub gardens and other outdoor areas may also require restrictions in order to control noise.
For more information
Download this leaflet: Entertainment noise from pubs and clubs (pdf 22Kb).
(To view this document, you will require Adobe Acrobat, this can be downloaded via the link on the right.)
For general enquiries, phone 020 8921 8921 or email noise.team@greenwich.gov.uk.
Related link
How to complain