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http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/NoNoiseControl/

# Posted by Angel Of Sin - 09/01/2009, 17:17 (GMT)

Folks - it's not happening. There will be no 70db noise meters in your venues. The legislation is already in place and refers to the duty of care that employers have to employees about sensible sound levels now being applied to venues as well as other places of work.

Here is the original article that started this off. It is an addition to the existing legislation.

Headline: Pub music noise ban to curb binge drinking
Source: Mail on Sunday
Issue Date: Sunday November 16, 2008
Byline: Tom Harper
Page: 35
Word Count: 570
Edition: 1ST
Story Text:
THE Government's latest proposal to combat Britain's binge-drinking epidemic is to turn down the volume of music in pubs and bars.
Landlords could be forced to outlaw all entertainment louder than 70 decibels - roughly the same as a hairdryer - to curb alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour.
A Labour taskforce has been persuaded by research which showed that loud music in pubs made customers buy more alcohol and drink it faster.
At present, there is no set noise level for licensed premises, the only stipulation being that if pubs want to host live bands, they must make a formal application to the local council.
But researchers found that deafening music speeds up drinking patterns by drowning out conversation and arousing the brain.
When sound levels were louder, the average number of drinks ordered by customers rose from 2.6 to 3.4. The time taken to drink a small beer also fell from 14 to 11 minutes, according to the study by France's University of South Brittany.
But pubs claim a limit on noise would put an end to televised sports events and comedy nights and leave jukeboxes barely audible.
Mark Hastings, of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: 'There is absolutely no evidence to suggest a link between music and binge-drinking.
'This move is akin to a sledgehammer cracking a nut - the Government already has the power to put whatever conditions it chooses on any individual licence. That would target the problem venues rather than banning music, dancing, comedy and entertainment for everyone.' The news follows a warning to a
Commons select committee last week by Feargal Sharkey, frontman of Eighties band The Undertones and now chief executive of British Music Rights. He said stricter licensing laws are making it increasingly difficult for smaller venues to obtain live music licences.
The taskforce also proposes meetings twice a year between licensees and the police. But the industry estimates this would run to 400,000 meetings a year and take up 33,000 police working days.
The measures could either be enshrined in new legislation or used to amend the 2003 Licensing Act.
The annual cost of hospital treatment for alcohol-related problems has now reached £2.7 billion and more than 40 per cent of all crime is linked to drink.
Since the extension of drinking hours, the number of youngsters treated for alcohol abuse has soared by 40 per cent.
Shadow Home Secretary Dominic Grieve said: 'This is a desperate attempt - the Government should concentrate on getting the basics right. Putting police on the street and enforcing the laws already in place would do more to combat alcohol-fuelled disorder.' The document makes no mention of minimum pricing for drink, despite Government-backed research showing that cheap supermarket deals are linked to binge-drinking. Last year, The Mail on Sunday revealed that some stores were selling beer more cheaply than water.
Other moves being considered are a ban on pub promotions, such as free drinks for women, happy hours and the sale of cocktails with suggestive names such as Sex On The Beach.
The draft code also proposes cigarette-style health warnings about the dangers of alcohol to be displayed in shops, bars and restaurants.
The Home Office said: 'This document is a draft and should not be taken as an indication of Government policy. Ministers have yet to take any final decisions.'

Hi Guys,
Cheers for that but this is a new legislation they are trying to pass. The government are apparently trying to "sneak it in" before the next financial year. Regardless of the story above I was made aware of it by 2 of the agencies we work for. It just reminded me of the story in the MOS.
I should have the relevent links soon and will post them.
At the end of the day i am just highlighting the issue and it is up to the individuals to make their own mind up. Either way better safe than sorry. There won't be any point complaining when it has happened.
The number of signatories has trebled in the last 24 hours.

re: Green Alchemy, Viking.
Trouble is this legislation is being brought in on the back of the "Binge Drinking" issue. This will not just affect Live Music venues but anywhere that has a Jukebox, Television etc.

+1 for Earplugs. I have been wearing them for a good while after coming away from a Gig and my ears were "ringing". Decided on the sensible approach as i ain't going to be much good withou them.

Forward to any friends, family and fans. They will also be the losers if venues shut down.
Imagine your partners having to put up with you at weekend when you should be out of their hair enjoying yourself.....