A petition has been launched to save a Broadstairs pub after complaints about ‘ear bleeding’ music

Marcus Hogg,pictured with barmaid Charlie, will keep his music licence

A petition has been launched to save a Broadstairs pub after it was revealed the landlord is due to have his licence reviewed.

The Little Albion in St Peter’s Road has come under fire from some residents who have complained to Thanet council about excessive noise from ‘ear-bleeding’ music nights, fighting, late-night shouting and screaming and screeching cars.

‘Trying everything’

Mr Hogg, who took over the pub in April last year, says he is trying to do everything he can to reduce the noise.

The former scaffolder says he has had door closers fitted, is making sure windows are closed when live music is being staged, has bought a noise limiter and put up signs asking customers to keep the noise down and have respect for the neighbours.

The dad-of-two said: “I’m trying to do everything I’ve been told to do. I have lowered all the times so bands finish at 11pm rather than midnight and the jukebox goes off at midnight instead of 1am. I’m trying my hardest.”

Noise

Neighbours say they want an end to anti-social behaviour outside the pub in the early hours.

One said: “This is a residential area. You expect noise from a pub but not like this. The impact of this is that we can’t go to sleep until the music stops and even then, there is shouting and cars hooting.

“You can hear it in every room of the house, just getting louder and louder.

“The landlord needs to be more responsible, he is not in control of this.”

‘Necessary’

Mr Hogg says music sessions, held on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, are necessary for the pub to survive.

He said: “We are a back-street pub. We have a reputation for good drinks and food but I need the music as that’s what keeps it surviving, music brings the customers in. There has been live music at this pub for over 30 years.”

Mr Hogg is hoping customers will show their support by writing to Thanet council. A petition has also been launched that has gathered 366 signatures online and another 60 on a paper version at the pub.

The online petition states: “The new owner has done a fantastic job of turning the venue around in the past year, however a few residents are asking for this lovely pub to be closed which will mean a loss of jobs and a facility which is enjoyed by many in the local community.

“The loss of this pub to the majority of locals would be devastating, the entertainment has been fantastic in bringing in both regulars and further afield patrons.

“Too many pubs are closing, therefore we need to try and preserve this local pub.”

Mr Hogg said: “I really need people to write letters of support so we can stop this happening. If I lose the licence then I’m finished.”

Barmaid Charlie Ash said she was worried she would lose her job if the licence is revoked. She added: “This is a good pub and our customers are amazing.”

Find the Little Albion petition here 

What the council says

Deputy leader of Thanet council and Cabinet Member for community services Councillor Lin Fairbrass said:“The council has received numerous complaints from local residents about live music at the Little Albion and our Environmental Health team has asked for a review of its licence on the grounds of public nuisance.

“This review is currently in the period for representations where people and businesses can comment. Representations can be made to [email protected] up until 10 August.

“After this date, the report will be published on the TDC website in advance of the licensing sub-committee hearing. Anyone who has made comments will then be advised of the hearing date.”