Licensee invites bands to play 'unplugged'

A licensee has avoided the threat of a noise abatement order from his council by inviting local bands to play "unplugged".

John Dryhurst of the Star & Tipsy Toad in St Peter, Jersey was forced to abandon live music after being threatened with the order by the States of Jersey Environmental Health department.

The threat of a noise abatement order had meant the pub was even forced to cancel its plans for a Comic Relief gig. The Ann Street Brewery-owned pub, which has hosted music for the past 13 years, was told to halt playing loud music after just one resident complained.

But Mr Dryhurst has found a way around the problem by inviting local musicians to play acoustic sets.

"Obviously just hosting acoustic acts will limit the variety, but a lot of local bands have been really supportive and said they'll play unplugged," said Mr Dryhurst.

"We are one the few venues here that hosts bands and it's important to offer musicians that chance."

The licensee said he had tested the noise levels and claimed they were not above the legal limit.

Mr Dryhurst is hoping the pub will be able to start hosting electric acts again once his premises has been refurbished later in the year.

A spokeswoman at the States of Jersey declined to comment.

The case mirrors that of the Bull's Head in Barnes, South West London, which was hit with noise abatement order after one local resident complained about the noise (The Publican, January 31).

The famous jazz venue won a reprieve after pub company Young's agreed to pay £64,000 to soundproof the site.