If you’re planning on having a summer BBQ this bank holiday weekend, then you’ll need to keep this one thing in mind to avoid a fine. Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive, has shared that if you receive a noise complaint, you could end up having to pay a hefty fine. Social events can quickly transition from neighbourly cheer to legal complaints if volume or timing crosses a certain threshold. 

McAfee says: “The Environmental Protection Act 1990 provides local authorities with broad powers to address noise that constitutes a statutory nuisance. Where excessive noise is determined to substantially interfere with the use and enjoyment of another person's home, local councils are legally obliged to investigate such complaints.”

He says that if a statutory nuisance is established, the council will issue an abatement notice requiring the noise to cease or be restricted. 

McAfee continues: “Non-compliance with an abatement notice can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000 for domestic premises. 

“This is not an empty threat - these fines are real, and local authorities do enforce them.”

The Noise Act 1996 provides supplementary powers that local authorities may choose to implement specifically for night hours - defined in law as 11pm to 7am. 

While implementation of the Noise Act is voluntary for councils, many have adopted these provisions to address excessive domestic noise during night hours.

McAfee has suggested five practical steps to avoid party-related complaints. He says you should inform your neighbours in advance of any event likely to create noise.

Make sure to keep music and raised voices within reasonable limits, especially after 9pm.

You can also close doors and windows to contain sound which will help to keep noise levels quieter.

If you can, make sure to manage your guests’ behaviour, especially when arriving or leaving.

Finally, if a neighbour raises concern, make sure to be polite and helpful.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that you won’t end up with a hefty fine and you can enjoy your bank holiday BBQ without worrying.