Weymouth's Duke of Cornwall pub told to limit live music
Live music hours have been restricted after complaints about noise late at night.
Last updated 22nd Dec 2021
Weymouth's Duke of Cornwall pub has been told to limit it's live music after a licence review which claimed noise levels at night were a nuisance.
It means new restrictions on the hours live music can be played, and landlords will have to check sound levels outside the building every night.
The complaint was submitted by Respect Weymouth, an anonymous group of people, earlier this year.
The landlord told a licensing review meeting that 3,000 people had signed a petition ins support of the pub to continue to operate as normal.
At the same hearing on Tuesday, Respect Weymouth said it wasn't their intention to shut down the pub, or threaten live music in the area.
Dorset Council has decided to impose restrictions on the performance of live music and playing recorded music at the pub.
New restrictions on live music
Live music will be banned after 11pm on a weeknight, and 10pm on a Sunday. Previously the pub was allowed to play music until the early hours.
The reviewed license states live music can be played between the following hours:
Monday to Thursday - 11:00 to 23:00
Friday and Saturday - 11:00 to 01:00
Sunday - 11:00 to 22:00
Bank Holidays - 11:00 to 01:00
New Year’s Eve - 11:00 to 02:00
Christmas Eve - 11:00 to 02:00
The restrictions also require noise reading to be taken and recorded in a book every 90 minutes after 9pm to ensure noise levels don't disturb the nearest residents.
It also states a Noise Management Plan should be submitted to Dorset Council within three months of the review hearing, to limit further noise long term.
During a hearing on Tuesday, the landlord Martin Rollings told Dorset Council he had already taken steps to reduce noise nuisance from the pub including fixing doors with self-closing mechanisms, adding signage in the pub to remind performers to keep sound levels reasonable, and he had started checking sound levels regularly himself.
A Dorset Council spokesperson said:
"Dorset Council’s licensing subcommittee has read and listened to the evidence to review the premises licence for the Duke of Cornwall. They have reached a decision to modify the conditions of the premises (see the official decision notice for details).
"When there is an application to review a premises licence the council must follow an official review process including a 28-day consultation."