Pub Faces New Noise Restrictions Following Live Music Dispute

A pub that had previously committed to “save the future of live music” after council officials threatened to revoke its licence has now been informed it can host only two outdoor performances each month. The Rampant Horse, situated in Needham Market, Suffolk, regularly hosted live music events that showcased local artists. Mid Suffolk District Council initiated legal action against the establishment following noise complaints, which prompted the pub to launch a petition. However, prior to the scheduled court hearing, both parties reached an agreement on new conditions. The pub is still permitted to host outdoor gigs, but these are limited to twice a month and exclusively between May and September. Saturday events are restricted to the hours of 12:00 and 21:00 GMT, and Sunday events to 12:00 and 18:00 GMT. Additionally, shows cannot be held on consecutive days. Under these revised regulations, the licence holder is required to develop and implement an external area noise management plan in consultation with the council. A spokesperson for Mid Suffolk District Council stated: “We are keen to support pubs in our district, and want everyone to be able to enjoy themselves.” The spokesperson further explained, “But we also have a legal duty to protect a pub’s neighbours if noise from amplified music during outdoor performances causes a continued public nuisance.” Concluding, the council representative added, “We have worked with the premises and agreed conditions which we hope will strike the right balance between the pub being able to hold live music while protecting the local community from excessive noise.” The authority indicated that “amplified music” was the specific issue that generated “multiple complaints from residents.” Conversely, the pub’s landlords had previously stated that their events operated “with strict deadlines to acts playing and regular decibel measurements throughout the course of the set.” They also pointed out that they had been “successfully hosting live music events for a number of years” without any issues. The Rampant Horse has been contacted for comment.