Music venues and pubs to receive “greater protection” from noise complaints
The new measures will also require developers to soundproof flats and apartments near existing venues.
Date published: 28th Jul 2025
Music venues that receive noise complaints from nearby residential developments could benefit from "greater protection" under new government plans.
The new measures, which are set to be introduced under the national licensing policy framework, would mean developers would have to take responsibility for soundproofing flats and apartments near existing pubs or music venues.
The changes would prevent complaints to pubs and venues from people who live or work near them.
Photo: Moth Club / Instagram.com
It follows several high-profile cases of noise complaints to venues over recent years, including Manchester’s Night and Day Cafe, which was issued a noise abatement order by the council in November 2021 after a neighbour moved in during lockdown and complained about loud music at night. After a three-year battle, the venue was told to limit the level of noise at night.
Moth Club, an independent music and comedy venue in London, launched a petition last December to challenge plans to build a block of flats next door, over fears the venue could be shut down. The venue was then hit with two separate planning applications submitted by Hackney Council. At the time of writing, the petition to oppose the planning application has over 20,000 signatures.
After being refused in November 2023, plans for a new office block next to the Prince Albert pub in Brighton were approved on appeal in January. The petition against it received more than 22,000 signatures.
Rebellion, another venue in Manchester, which hosts metal gigs and club nights, could also be under threat from noise complaints after a 44-storey luxury development was approved to be built next door to the venue.
Photo: Rebellion / Facebook.com
These cases highlight the concern many venue owners have faced when new developments are being built near their business.
Meanwhile, pubs across the UK continue to close, with the British Beer and Pub Association estimating that 378 pubs will close in 2025 across England, Wales and Scotland.
The new protection will be ushered in under the “agent of change principle”, with the Department for Business and Trade saying it will consider further options to support established venues under the new framework.
Other measures include making it easier to open and operate hospitality venues and scrapping local rules that delay small businesses from opening.
New "hospitality zones" will also be included, with more leniency on permissions for street parties and extended opening hours.
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