An Angus pub has had its licence suspended following a long-running battle with the council over noise complaints.
The Albert Bar in Market Street, Montrose, won’t be able to trade again until it installs a noise-limiting device inside the venue.
The board has received a number of noise complaints from residents and had asked Angus Council officers to work with the Albert Bar and residents in an effort to resolve issues.
A noise management plan was agreed and the licensee, the Firm of the Albert Bar, was to install a noise-limiting device which was to be operated to the satisfaction of officers.
Typically, this means attaching a device to the power supply of the amplification system. It has a microphone through which it constantly measures the level of noise inside the venue.
If the noise exceeds a pre-set volume level the device will cut off the power supply to the amplification system and will not allow the supply of power until it is reset.
Councillor John Whyte, chairman of the licensing board, said, “Despite reminders and extensive support from council officers, the licensee failed to install the noise limiter and noise complaints continued.
“At today’s board, the members felt that they were left with no option but to suspend the licence until the device is installed and fully operational to the satisfaction of environmental and consumer protection and the council’s licensing standards officer.
“The premises must close forthwith and remain closed until the noise limiter has been satisfactorily installed.
“The board was extremely disappointed to note that repeated warnings had gone unheeded and indicated that it will not hesitate to take firm action, which can include the suspension or revocation of licences, when warnings are disregarded.”
At the licensing board meeting on August 18 last year the board was informed by Stewart Ball, senior service manager of the economic development and environmental and consumer protection division, that five complaints had been received regarding noise-related issues.
Last month the board was asked to note that a proposed form of noise reduction plan was agreed, which stated that a noise-limiting device was to be installed and ready for use within two months from the date of acceptance of the noise reduction plan.
The two-month period expired on May 21 without any notification being received by the licensing standards officer (LSO) or the environmental and consumer protection division.
A letter was sent by the LSO to the premises’ licence holders on May 26 reminding them of the requirement for action. The LSO visited the premises on May 31 and was informed no noise-limiting device had been fitted but this work was to be completed by June 3.
The premises were visited again by the LSO on June 6 and the device had not been installed.