NEIGHBOURHOOD NUISANCE

There is something to be said for having a party at home. For many people, it is a chance to gather their loved ones in one spot for a great meal, a couple of drinks and a truckload of laughs. It’s as much a chance to be social as a chance to save money. Having a party at home means you don’t need take a cab home and leave your car behind. It means cheaper drinks and favourite foods. It means you get to dictate the soundtrack and menu for the evening, and it means you can do it all in your favourite pair of baggy pants, if you want to. If you’re the industrious type, you might be putting together a new snack sensation to woo the masses. If you can’t be bothered, you might tell your friends to bring their own, while your only job is to make sure the barbecue stays lit. Whether you’re preparing to celebrate your birthday or the queen’s, there are some things you’ll have to keep in mind. Not the least of which, is noise. Consider whether your property is large enough to accommodate the size of your group, whether your outdoor area is right next to your neighbour’s bedroom window or not, and whether the party can be moved inside if necessary. Keep in mind that, in Queensland, any excessive noise can be reported at any time of day and bring the police knocking. Also check your local council’s curfew while planning. A good strategy is to talk to your neighbours beforehand and give them your contact details. If they know what to expect, they might not be as cranky later on; they might even make plans to go out themselves. At the very least, your neighbours will be able to call you (instead of the police) if your party bothers them. Prevention is better than cure. The second item to turn your mind to, is fire and smoke. If you have a fire pit, or you will be grilling your meat over open flame, you must adhere to fire restrictions. Make sure the fire is contained within a proper fire pit, or well-constructed barbecue, and keep in mind that a fire ban might be in effect. If you stick to the unspoken rules of civility and good neighbourly conduct, and pay attention to your fire, there is no reason why your party shouldn’t be a great success. Cue the Facebook and Instagram posts widely declaring [insert your name here] as the party monarch of the century.