Premises licence guidance notes

The following are guidance notes for applicants in relation to noise from licensed premises. This information should be read in conjunction with Rotherham Council's Licensing Policy.

What is noise?

Noise is an unwanted sound. Music and sounds being played and generated in your premises may be enjoyed by your customers but may not be enjoyed by your neighbours.

Why do I need to be concerned about noise?

The prevention of public nuisance is one of the objectives of the Licensing Policy. This is aimed at controlling the level of noise from any licensed premise.

Do I need the services of a Noise Consultant?

Usually no, however where noise control has been a problem in the past or is likely to be, and the solution to the problem is not easily resolved, you may require expert help and advice. Officers from the Environmental Health Services will be able to offer some advice but will not be able to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the problem. In situations where substantial changes or new build is being undertaken, it is recommended that a consultant be employed at the design stage.

The following issues should be considered when making an application for a licence:

• The type of structure in which the entertainment is performed
  If, for example, amplified music from either a live band or recorded music played by a DJ or karaoke is proposed, then it will be more intrusive to neighbours of residential properties, or other noise sensitive properties, are attached or in close to.
• Sound is transmitted both through the air and via the structure of buildings, so if buildings are attached to your premise then noise may be transmitted by both these paths.
• If you occupy a public house in a row of terraced properties and wish to play amplified music it is highly likely your neighbours will be affected by the noise and consideration will have to be given to reducing the noise level, location of the speakers, and restriction of the hours of entertainment. Whereas if you occupy a public house which is detached and has no properties in the immediate area you may not have to impose as many restrictions.

Doors and windows

Open doors and windows can be a particular problem in warmer weather when they are opened for ventilation. Windows may have to be kept closed when entertainment is taking place and an alternative form of ventilation such as air conditioning may have to be considered. Alarms may be fitted to windows to warn of customers opening windows.

Secondary glazing may have to be installed, particularly if windows face noise sensitive property. External doors may have to be provided with a lobby and a second set of doors to minimise noise emissions.

Extractor fan outlets and air bricks

Any holes in the fabric of the building can transmit noise and consideration needs to be given to the location of ventilation ducts and air grates in relation to noise sensitive properties. Silencers may have to be fitted to the outlets of ventilation ducts and air grates.

Location and orientation of speakers

Speakers should be located away from party walls and placed away from neighbouring properties to minimise noise disturbance. Where noise is transmitted to the structure, the speakers could be placed on a foam mat.

Level of the music

Music being played too loud is the most common reason for complaint with regard to entertainment. If the music is reduced to a level, which cannot be heard in adjacent premises, then it will not be a problem. Sound limiting devices can be installed in premises to help with this.

Restricting the hours of entertainment

There may be some events with a high noise levels which can be heard in adjacent properties. These are likely to be one off events, held infrequently and in outdoor locations, such as pop concerts. In these circumstances, as well as reducing the noise level to an acceptable level, restricting the hours of entertainment will be necessary.

Outdoor sources of noise

The hours of outdoor children's play areas and garden areas which are adjacent to noise sensitive properties, may have to be restricted in the evening, to prevent undue disturbance. Use of such areas after 21.00 is not recommended.