Petition over restriction on pub noise

By clwilson

Customers at a music venue in Frome have started a petition after Mendip District Council imposed a restriction on noise levels.

Regulars at the Griffin, in Milk Street, have collected more than 450 signatures protesting against the restrictions which were introduced after residents complained to the council about the noise level when bands are playing.

Gaz Hutchinson, who has been going to the pub for the last seven years, claims the council has imposed an 82 decibel limit, but this has not been confirmed by the pub or the council.

He said: "The Griffin is an established music venue in the town, but with the council's restriction it limits the number of live bands. One band during the festival had to stop half way through their set because of it.

"The limit means that even a normal conversation will exceed it – it's ridiculous."

Mr Hutchinson, who plays with the band Slippery Fish, said the Griffin had done as much as it could to reduce noise levels, including installing double glazed windows, floor to ceiling curtains and heavy shutters.

Rik Lyall, who owns the pub and the Milk Street brewery, said there was little he could do.

He said: "I have to adhere to the restrictions on my licence because that is the law."

A spokeswoman for the district council said that all licensed premises are under obligation to promote the licensing objectives.

She said: "Good working practice has been relayed to the Griffin by the environmental protection team at the council and we will continue to work with them to assist them in complying with the operating schedule and to promote the licensing objectives."