Every year the Council receives many complaints of excessive noise from licensed premises such as pubs, clubs and restaurants. The Council has a legal duty to investigate these complaints and to act if the noise is assessed as being a statutory nuisance. Such action can result in restrictions on the activities of licensed premises, works to reduce noise and ultimately in fines of up to £20000 for the licensees.
The information we provide is intended to give general advice to licensees, breweries, club owners and the organisers of licensed events. Guidance is given on the law on noise nuisance and the Council’s role, common noise sources for licensed premises and suggested methods of control. The design, construction and layout of licensed premises in respect of noise control are discussed briefly.
In many circumstances, it will be best to approach the Environmental Protection Team directly for advice and/or to appoint your own acoustic consultant to advise you on noise control techniques and systems.
Telephone: 01304 872295
E-mail: licensing@dover.gov.uk
Post:
Licensing Section
Dover District Council
White Cliffs Business Park
Dover
Kent CT16 3PJ
