Noise mitigation measures for pubs and nightclubs

It is possible to reduce the likelihood of excess noise emanating from a pub or nightclub (for instance from live entertainment, discos, general noise disturbance) by the use of structural mitigation measures including; sound proofing, non-openable windows, self-closing acoustically sealed doors/lobbies on entrance and exits. Operational measures may also be appropriate such as: imposing a music noise limit by way of a noise assessment, a curfew on hours of access to outdoor areas and/or a curfew on consumption of alcohol in these areas, and management of patron dispersal at closing time. Where the proposed pub or nightclub involves a change of use of an existing building, modifications to meet acceptable noise levels may not be possible, or if possible, may not be economically viable. In such circumstances, the applicant may be asked to demonstrate, often by submission of a noise impact assessment, what feasible measures they propose to implement to reduce noise. These measures will be considered in consultation with the Council's Environmental Health service and Building Control service as part of the application process.