Councillor urges pubs and clubs to keep the noise down

Businesses operating in Southport’s nighttime economy have been urged to keep the noise down after a series of complaints from town centre residents.

Cllr David Barton, who represents Dukes Ward on Sefton Council, said the local authority could clamp down on the noise pollution if pubs, clubs and other establishments didn’t comply with requests voluntarily.

He said: “I have met numerous residents to discuss this and have made frequent, attempts in vain to contact the various businesses which appear to be at the centre of the problem.

“I am now calling on them to consider their local neighbourhood, particularly the area ranging from Lord Street to Leicester Street, West Street and Waverley Street, where the problem is particularly acute.

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“This ongoing issue has been a source of concern for people of all ages, especially those with early shift work routines but despite my best efforts to contact these premises I have still not heard back from the management.

“There are a number of ways to address this as a local authority and that may well be the route we take if businesses are not willing to address the noise problem.”

Cllr Barton said one option would be licensing regulations covering the Prevention of Public Nuisance, which would require residents to complete systematic log sheets which may be reviewed and considered by the Local Authority in respect of a business’s licence.

Cllr Barton added: “Should this fail the residents are welcome to pursue a Licence Review, which will effectively put the Licence back before the Licensing Sub Committee to be reviewed accordingly.

“A number of options are available to the Committee, including, if necessary, amendments to hours/provisions/conditions and ultimately revocation of the Licence. The idea is to try all other methods before using this route.

“In summary, there is recourse for premises that do not comply with the required legislation, it is just that there needs to be evidence to back this up and it is a stepped approach with ability along the way to ensure premises adhere to the relevant legislation and remain compliant.”

Cllr Barton called on premises operating in the late and early hours respectively to get in touch with him so that together they can pursue the best course of action to benefit the local community, but also enhance further the success and business success of the establishments.

He said: “I should like to also thank those nighttime businesses whom I have already had the pleasure of speaking to who are already doing what they can to support the townspeople in this capacity and remind everyone again of the need to show due consideration for one another as we seek to make Southport a better place to live, work and visit.”

Should anyone wish to check the present Sefton Council guidelines please visit:
https://www.sefton.gov.uk/business/licensing-registration/entertainment,-alcohol-and-late-night-refreshment/licence-review.aspx