The licence for a Broadstairs pub at the centre of ‘ear-bleeding’ music complaints is due to be reviewed

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

A review of the premises licence for The Little Albion pub in Broadstairs will be held on September 5.

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

A noise abatement notice was previously served on pub landlord Marcus Hogg but now his licence could also be axed.

Complaints

In a document to members of Thanet council’s licensing committee the authority’s environmental protection manager Morgan Sproates says: “There has been an intermittent history of noise complaints from this premises since our records began but from April 2017 the number of complaints has significantly increased.

“All complaints concern loud music and noise from patrons congregating outside the premises.”

Mr Sproates says a warning was given on June 6 following an incident four days earlier with two further incidents witnessed that month.

On June 20 Mr Hogg was served with a noise abatement notice and a further warning letter was sent on June 26.

Mr Sproates said no response was received. He added: “Officers were again called out on July 1 and could hear music within the complainant’s bedroom at midnight. On July 8 officers arrived at 10.10pm and music levels were much reduced.”

But he adds: “Despite several warnings, including service of an abatement notice, noise complaints have continued.”

Mr Sproates said Environmental Health wants live music at the pub stopped and a reduction in recorded music; sound limiting device fitted and the end of people taking drinks outside.

‘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.”

A petition launched in a bid to save the pub gathered 508 signatures online and 350 on the paper version in the pub.

The licence review will be held at Thanet council on September 5 at 10am.