Solution to noise pollution
Pubs, clubs and bars in Liverpool are being told – cut the noise!
Next week is National Noise Action Week (18-22 May) and the city council’s environmental protection unit is visiting licensed premises across Liverpool to give advice to owners and managers about reducing noise from their premises.
The team will be handing out a special leaflet which offers advice on issues such as:
What action can be taken against a premises if local neighbours complain about noise
What the venue can do to minimise the effects of noise
What a venue has to do before installing a smoking shelter
What managers must do if a member of staff complains of hearing loss due to constant loud music
Liverpool city council’s executive member for the environment, Councillor Berni Turner, said: “Entertainment in pubs and clubs is an important part of community life and benefits the local economy.
“But, constant noise can be a nightmare for nearby residents and can result in sleepless nights, increased stress levels and an overall affect on their health.
“By law, the city council has to investigate any noise complaints, so we want to make sure licensees are well informed about what constitutes noise nuisance and what actions they can take to minimise any disturbance.
“National Noise Action Week will be the perfect opportunity for many licensees to get their act together and cut out any excessive noise. This can only improve relations between them and the local community.”
The city council team will be recommending that pubs and clubs introduce a noise management plan to clearly outline the actions they are taking as a business to reduce or eliminate any noise problems.
Some simple remedies include putting up signs to remind customers to be quiet when leaving the premises, provide rubber feet to chairs and tables in outdoor areas, make sure there are well-sealed acoustic doors throughout the venue and when recycling bottles, don’t put them out early morning or late evening.
The city council has a number of powers to deal with nuisance noise:
Serve a notice to prevent the noise nuisance from occurring/recurring
Prosecuting persons or companies who breach the abatement notice
Seizing noise-making equipment
Issuing fixed penalty notices
Temporary closure of premises
Calling for a review of the premises license
Noise Action Week is co-ordinated every year by Environmental Protection UK, a charity supported by pollution control professionals. They are working towards a cleaner, quieter and healthier world.
Liverpool City Council’s night time noise team operate every Thursday from 4pm to 4am, on Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 5am and on Sunday from 4pm to 3am. Anyone troubled by noise in the evening can contact the night time noise team by calling 0151 233 3001.
