Music venues threatened by noise complaints offered “greater protections”

Music venues in England and Wales that are likely to be, or have previously been threatened with noise complaints, are set to be offered “greater protection” as part of new plans from the Department for Business and Trade.

New protections will support clubs, live music venues, bars, and pubs that are subject to complaints from neighbouring residences following heightened fears over venue closures in recent years.

Reforms would be introduced under the national licensing policy framework, and would mean that developers looking to build properties near existing venues must properly soundproof buildings.

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Other measures would allow plans to build further hospitality venues in those areas to be fast-tracked, making it easier for small businesses to open and operate across England and Wales.

“Red tape has stood in the way of people’s business ideas for too long. Today we’re slashing those barriers to giving small business owners the freedom to flourish,” explains Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.

The government also looks to introduce new “hospitality zones” as part of the reforms, allowing for more leniency on street parties and al-fresco dining, with plans to grant extended opening times to venues.

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It follows a turbulent few years for the music industry, with growing venue closures due to factors such as rising costs and rows over noise complaints from newly built neighbouring buildings.

In April, a report from Capital on Tap predicted that 57% of London's pubs and clubs will shut down by 2030. It counted 8,457 pubs and clubs in London currently, predicting that figure would drop to 3,617 in five years.

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Plans were approved to build a new office block next to Brighton live music venue and pub Prince Albert in January, despite a petition against proposals garnering more than 22,000 signatures.

The government hopes that new reforms will make it easier to open nightlife businesses in unused spaces, and will promote al-fresco drinking and dining with extended opening hours and outdoor provisions.

“For too long, [pubs] have been stifled by clunky, outdated rules,” says Chancellor Rachel Reeves. “We’re binning them – to protect pavement pints, alfresco dining and street parties – not just for the summer, but all year round.”

Read more about new plans here.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter