A STALYBRIDGE pub has been fined after Tameside Council environmental health officers took action following complaints from neighbouring residents about loud music.
Monitoring equipment was installed at two addresses close to the Organ Inn on Acres Lane, leading to a noise abatement notice being served under section 79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
A prosecution was launched after officers twice witnessed breaches of the notice.
At Tameside Magistrates Court on Friday, March 28, Matthew Crompton pleaded guilty to the charge on behalf of the pub-owners – the Organ (Stalybridge) Ltd – and himself.
Pointing out that his company does not trade and merely rents the premises, he apologised that the matter had come to court. He promised there would be no further live music at the pub, adding that the juke box’s volume had been restricted to prevent noise escaping.
The bench replied that warnings had been issued and should have been heeded. Tameside Council had prosecuted both the company and the director.
Mr Crompton of Hazel Road, Stalybridge, was fined £1,153 but with no victim surcharge. All costs (£1,000) were imposed on the Organ (Stalybridge) Ltd which was also fined £1,153 with a £461 victim surcharge.
Cllr Laura Boyle, Tameside Council’s executive member for environmental services and neighbourhoods, said: “I am pleased Mr Crompton accepted responsibility and promised there would be no future occurrences.
“Tameside Council wants a positive relationship with all the borough’s businesses and is always ready to work with them to resolve issues or prevent them taking place.
“However, we also have a duty to our residents and will take the necessary action, including prosecution, whenever needed.”