Most licence holders, designated premises supervisors and club premises certificate holders want to run their premises for the enjoyment of their customers and local residents. However, if events are not managed properly this may result in noise complaints. Pubs and clubs have a legal duty to control noise; failure to do so can lead to restrictions being placed on your business, review of a premises licence or club premises certificate and, in extreme cases, the loss of a premises licence or club premises certificate, or prosecution.
A licence or certificate does not allow a premises to cause a noise nuisance to local residents.
Here is some simple advice to prevent noise complaints and reduce the need for enforcement by the City of York Council Environmental Protection and Licensing teams.
- Sources of noise
- Noise control
- Noise management policy
- Temporary Event Notices
- Further information and support
- Code of Practice for outdoor music events
Sources of noise
The first step to control noise is to consider the types of noise which may come from your premises. Noise can be from:
- amplified music, voices and singing, for example karaoke
- non-amplified (acoustic) music and singing
- raised voices and shouting from customers, as they arrive, inside, outside in the beer garden or smoking area and when leaving the premises
- emptying of bottle bins and cleaning your premises
- plant and machinery, such as fans and extracts
- customer vehicles, delivery vehicles and taxis, as a result of cars horns and music
Noise control
Having identified possible noise sources in your premises, you need to consider how you can control the noise, so you don’t cause a nuisance to nearby residents. Since every premises is different there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. Please consider the following:
- the design and layout of the premises, including use of outdoor areas
- sound insulation, keeping doors and windows closed
- the location of nearby residents
- the types of event you run - some events may not be suitable
You may also want to consider:
- keeping noisy events inside a building, especially music and singing events, and avoiding use of marquees
- keeping doors and windows closed whenever possible; do not prop doors open
- positioning speakers away from party walls and not facing residents
- reducing the bass level of music
- encouraging customers to leave via exits furthest from local residents, if possible
- putting up notices and asking customers to leave quietly
- supervising outside areas including beer gardens and smoking areas
- prohibiting drinking in noise sensitive smoking areas
- checking noise levels at the boundary of your premises; you may have a condition on your licence requiring noise to be inaudible at your site boundary
- playing quieter or mellower music when it gets later and before customers leave, so they will be more likely to leave quietly
- providing your own equipment for visiting DJs, singers and bands so you have control over the noise level
Noise problems can be prevented by careful planning. This can reduce costs for improvements and prevent loss of trade from annoyed local residents.
Noise management policy
In addition to these noise control measures, we strongly recommend that you have a noise management policy. This should include a procedure for recording complaints and actions to resolve the problem, as well as details of noise monitoring carried out to prevent complaints.
You can record how you liaise with performers, agents and residents about events, and list measures taken to limit noise, such as sound proofing, noise limiters. It should also have details of training given to staff on noise control.
Temporary Event Notices
Temporary Event Notices (TENs) allow licensees to hold events outside the terms of their licence, or it allows premises that are not licensed to hold licensable activities. However, TENs do not permit you to create noise nuisance.
If you're thinking of holding an event under a TEN then we advise that you tell your neighbours and provide them with the following details, as a minimum:
- a description of the event detailing what is going to happen
- the date of the event, the start and end time
- a contact telephone number in case they wish to discuss the event or contact you during the event
Further information and support
For further advice on noise control, such as insulating your building, installing acoustic lobbies or use of noise limiting devices, you can contact:
For further information about noise control contact the Public Protection Team.
Code of Practice for outdoor music events
We provide guidance on minimising noise in our Code of Practice for businesses and event organisers who are considering organising an outdoor event. It gives advice on noise issues and includes necessary forms which event organisers would need to complete and submit during the planning stage.
Also see
Public Protection Team
Noise Patrol
Out of hours noise complaints only; Friday and Saturday, from 9.00pm to 2.30am.