The Scala in Merthyr Tydfil was the subject of complaints, including a neighbouring snooker club claiming vibrations from noise were causing balls to move on tables.

Wales Online reported that, a review of the premises licence by the council’s licensing committee saw concerns raised by a local resident and a business owner around noise levels at the venue and conditions added to the licence which included stopping live music at 8pm, an independent noise impact assessment, and works to ensure the future acoustic integrity of the building.

An impact statement from the resident went to the committee and described how his son was no longer able to stay with him due to the noise levels in his property, and the business owner described how the vibration of the music caused snooker balls to move on tables in its premises. As a result, noise monitoring was done by the council’s environmental health department which showed statutory nuisance.

Following an independent review undertaken by The Scala, the owner wrote to a council public health officer saying that despite their efforts, it has become evident that no specific decibel level can fully address the noise impact on the flat due to significant structural vibrations.

The owner added the findings suggest that operating as a music venue under the current conditions is unsustainable and without substantial structural modifications the building does not serve its intended purpose as a music venue.

After considering the information provided by all parties involved the committee members agreed the review process was conducted appropriately and that a measured approach had been followed by the environmental health department. They also acknowledged that a public nuisance had occurred at the premises, which violated the licensing objective of preventing public disturbances.

Committee members also considered the steps put forward by the premises licence holder to address noise nuisance and their long-term redevelopment plans. The committee therefore felt that it was appropriate to place additional conditions on the licence to control how live music can continue at the venue.

These include stopping live music at 8pm and for the business to undertake an independent noise impact assessment and implement the recommended measures within a specified time. The decision notice said that it was noted in evidence and submissions from the premises licence-holder that they conceded that there had been “noise issues” at the premises.

Source: Wales Online