Planning a party?
People have the right to enjoy their homes by entertaining friends, playing the music they enjoy and have a good time.
However, it is important that the enjoyment of one is not to the detriment of others.
The following suggestions can help you to enjoy your party without causing undue stress, loss of sleep or even illness toward your neighbour or anyone else:
- Warn your neighbours near and far that a party will take place. If possible provide them with a telephone number to contact you if the party gets too loud,
- Give a finish time make it reasonable and stick to it,
- Make sure you know your guests and trust them, as you are responsible for them,
- Invite a suitable number of guests for the size of your property,
- Position the speakers carefully, away from adjoining walls and windows,
- Keep windows closed so the noise doesn't travel.
Considering others is the key
Advise your guests to leave the party quietly if it is early hours of the morning. Remember that you are responsible for the behaviour of your guests, and that any legal action for noise nuisance would be taken against you and not them.
The magistrate courts can impose a maximum fine of £5,000 for serious noise nuisance. In some cases, with the help of the police, the council has taken away (seized) people's hi-fi systems for causing noise nuisance.
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