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Noise laws kick in on October 1
14 September, 2006, The Publican

Pubs could face increased action over noise

Licensees in England and Wales are being reminded that new noise laws are to come into force on October 1.

Environmental health officers will be able to investigate complaints of noise associated with licensed premises, between 11pm and 7am. They will also be able to issue written warnings and fixed penalty notices, and even prosecute those that flout the rules.

Nigel Musgrove, licensing lawyer at Withy King Solicitors, warned pubs they could face increasing problems with the noise when the smoking ban comes in next summer.

"When licensed premises become smoke-free zones, it is likely that smokers will congregate outdoors to smoke. This will invariably cause more noise and lead to more complaints from neighbours," he said.

"In addition to their existing powers to serve noise abatement notices and review premises licenses, after October 1 local authorities will be able to give fixed penalty notices in the region of £500 to the person in charge of the premises at the time. This could be the licence holder, manager or any other employee."

Scottish Police launch a new campaign against late-night noise
15 September, 2006

By Michelle Perrett

Tayside Police hope late-night drinkers in Argus will be too busy sucking lollipops to make any noise

Scottish police will be armed with a new tool this weekend in the ongoing battle against alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour – lollipops.

Tayside Police hope late-night drinkers in Argus will be too busy sucking on sweets to disturb the peace with late-night singing, swearing and shouting as they move from pubs to clubs.

It is hoped the idea, which has already been used as an effective silencing tool in Manchester and Nottingham, will help to combat anti-social behaviour in Montrose, where residents have complained for some time.

Inspector Athol Aitken said: “People on a night out deserve to enjoy themselves in a safe environment. Equally, the rights of people who live in the area and do not want to have their privacy shattered must also be upheld.”

The scheme is the result of the Angus Drugs and Alcohol Team (DAAT), a partnership between Tayside Police and Angus Council.

“Tayside Police, Angus Council and Angus DAAT, as well as the local licence trade, are all working hard to tackle these issues effectively and the measures we have undertaken so far have been effective,” said Inspector Aitken. “But this demonstrates that we are willing to try anything that can further assist in tackling anti-social behaviour.”

Changes to The Noise at Work Regulations

A European directive recently adopted by the UK government means new UK noise regulations will be introduced by February 2006. The directive tightens the legal requirements for noise by lowering the exposure action values to 80 and 85 dB(A). This will take effect at all workplaces, although local authorities have particular concerns about the high sound levels in some bars and nightclubs.

More information: www.hse.gov.uk/noise