Brynhyfryd pub fined for loud music

A LANDLADY has been fined £700 after residents complained that music from her pub was too loud.

Alison Louise Dower, who runs the Commercial Inn on Llangyfelach Road, Brynhyfryd, admitted three breaches of a noise abatement order which was imposed by Swansea Council in front of city magistrates.

In August 2011, a notice was served on her which said she must ensure that noise was reduced and maintained at a level where it was inaudible to the nearest home.

On September 3, 2011, officers went to the pub after a complaint from neighbours and Dower accepted a caution from officers. But they were called out again in February 2012 because of noise caused by live bands.

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Further complaints were received on occasions throughout 2012 that music and the lyrics of songs could regularly be heard past 10pm. On one occasion on October 13, council officers who had visited the pub reported music could clearly be heard from 50 metres away.

Georgina Buckley, representing Dower, said her client had not flagrantly breached the rules but was trying to build her business up.

"She's made attempts to co-operate with the council but accepts she's not done enough," added Miss Buckley.

She said her client had limited live music to one night a week while a solution was found, but said she was now prepared to suspend live music until necessary improvements to the building can be made.

She said her client had "brought the pub back to life" and tried to include members of the community when she restored the pub from "a shell".

"When she took over the pub she made efforts to visit neighbouring properties and asked people to approach her with any problems," said Miss Buckley.

"Music is a key part of this business and a lot of pubs are struggling to stay alive. It's the live music that's at the core of this business," she added.

Magistrates ordered Dower pay £541.60 in costs, a fine of £700 and a £70 victim surcharge.