People of all ages can find it difficult to communicate in restaurants, cafés and pubs where background noise can reach very high levels - whether it be music or the general clatter caused by the acoustics of the space. Luke Dixon, campaigner at Action on Hearing Loss, outlines the problem and calls on managers of spaces made for socialising to make sure noise levels make them fit for social interaction. For many of us, dining […]

When planning outdoor events in the summer its crucial to consider noise - to protect health of workers and keep the peace with neighbours. Here are some tips on avoiding noise problems from professional event planners. Summer is fast approaching and the outdoor events season is gearing up. If you’re involved in planning an event, it’s crucial to ensure noise isn’t so loud that it’s a potential threat to the hearing of those working at […]

Following a short discusion last week the House of Lords agreed to endorse the extension of pub opening hours for two hours beyond 11pm, for the Queen’s official birthday of June 10th and 11th. The view was presented that this would save the time and expense of pubs wishing to mark the occassion applying for Temporary Event Notices to extend their hours. This debate has been seen before - when extended licensing was approved for […]

Noise Action Week welcomes the continued inclusion of noise exposure as an indicator of public health in the revised Public Health Outcomes Framework, published today by the Department of Health. These indicators are intended to be used to inform decisions impacting on public health. There are three public health indicators for noise are based on information currently collected, covering people affected by transport noise and the rate of complaints about noise to local authorities. Noise […]

It’s that time of year when students of all ages need quiet time as they knuckle down to study for exams. A survey earlier this year found that noise from housemates causes annoyance for flats sharers – which may be a surprise to families and working people living in neighbourhoods where late night noise from shared student accommodation often keeps them awake! We should all be able to have fun - but late night loud […]