A GROUP of Lamerton residents have failed to get an entertainment licence revoked at their local pub after complaining about the level of noise coming from the establishment. Landlord Robert White was told by West Devon Borough Council's Licensing Sub Committee that he could continue having live music events at the Blacksmith's Arms — but he was to take measures to reduce the impact on neighbouring residents. Mr White was ordered to strengthen the sound insulation, keep all the doors and windows closed when live music was playing and supervise the exits after 10.30pm on Friday and Saturday nights. An abatement notice was served on Mr White in February this year, after he breached the conditions of his licence on two occasions by holding music events beyond midnight. Resident Neil Love, who together with Claire White made the application for a review of the premises licence, asked if it was appropriate for a village pub to have a licence to hold entertainment. Mr Love said: 'The main issues for us are those of noise and going beyond the licensing hours. 'We would like the licence rescinded because we do not feel that over time it has been self regulated.' He said the residents had no issue with the alcohol licence. John Barker-Hahlo said he lived the furthest away of the residents but he could still hear the music 50 yards away up the road: 'It disturbs me when I try to sleep,' he said. 'There are children and old people living in close proximity of this pub and I do not feel it is fair for residents to put up with live music beyond 11pm.' The hearing was told two visits were made by environmental health officers in March and April this year — once when the noise was considered to be sufficient to give rise to residents' complaints, but neither the police or environmental health officers had made formal representations to the review panel. John Wyatt, representing the landlord, said the majority of the complaints had arisen since the early part of this year when Mr and Mrs White made an application for a review of their licence and people became 'publicly aware' of the concerns. He said Mr White accepted that on two occasions, amplified music went beyond the permitted hours — he was aware of the terms of his licence and it would not happen again. 'Mr White invited environmental health officers to come to the pub with the purpose of meeting them to discuss what amount of noise constituted a nuisance,' he said. 'There was an eight or nine piece band playing in the conservatory and the officer went into the houses of the complainants. 'Mr White was told there was not a problem. Had there been he would have turned it down until an acceptable level was achieved.' Mr Wyatt said his client wished to carry on providing amplified music events for his customers because it was an important part of his business: 'He does not wish to be the Crown Centre,' he said. 'He is aware of the terms of his licence and will take steps to make sure that the music does not cause a nuisance to his neighbours.'
