BUCKHURST HILL: Bar promises to keep the noise down

4:00pm Thursday 4th September 2008

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A NOTORIOUSLY noisy nightspot has been granted a stay of execution after new management promised to keep the volume down.

A review of the premises licence at The Players Lounge - formerly the Aurora Bar - in Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, was called by Epping Forest District Council following a raft of complaints from neighbours over the past two years.

But the council's licensing-sub committee has agreed to let the club continue trading after hearing that new management had satisfied the council's environmental health team that it would put measures in place to address the problems of the past.

An automatic noise control device will be installed to regulate amplified sound, and the manager will be responsible for monitoring volume levels and guaranteeing music cannot be heard at neighbouring properties.

A self-closing device will be fitted on the rear door, and a sound lobby will be set-up in the entrance, to help prevent noise escaping from the building.

The club will also close half-an-hour earlier on Fridays and Saturdays.

Matthew Butt, representing club owner Punch Taverns, accepted there had been "real problems" in the past and said this was down to "the weak management of Mrs Farthing".

Former manager Pauline Farthing has been given three fines totaling £17,000 for breaching noise abatement notices at the club in the past year.

Mr Butt explained that a new manager, Daniel Allen, has been in charge throughout August and that there have been no complaints from residents during his tenure.

He said that "long-term" the owners want to move away from being a "late-licence venue" and place a greater emphasis on providing meals.

Epping Forest District Council Richard Gardiner environment and neighbourhood group officer, who instigated the review, confirmed he was "happy" with the new arrangements.

The hearing, at the Civic Offices, in Epping, today heard that door staff will remain on duty after closing time to ensure that people leaving the club do not cause a disruption on the street.

Committee chairman Penny Smith said: "Given the nature of the history of disturbances here we hope you can use these new conditions to put the venue on a better footing."