Pub to spend £22k to keep noise down

a CITY centre pub is set to spend £22,000 on sound insulation to make sure it retains its entertainment licence and keeps its doors open.

The Town House (pictured) on King Street has been the subject of 15 noise complaints in the last 12 months — all from a single occupant living above and their father.

Dundee City Council’s licensing board reviewed the bar’s entertainment licence at a meeting.

A local authority licensing standards officer said management had shown a “total disregard” for the licence and that its conditions had been breached.

However, the board deferred a decision until August to allow licensee Moira Fairfield to plan and install sound insulation.

In a direct plea to the board, John Muir, representing Ms Fairfield, said Dundee was at risk of “turning into Sleepy Hollow” if pubs were prevented from entertaining customers. He said: “All of these complaints come from one tenant who was warned t hat there would be disturbance.

“My client has obtained an acoustic engineer’s report and will sort out the work to install insulation, which will take five days and cost £22,000. The owner would be happy to assist the tenant with removal costs.

“Almost a year on, the tenant is still there making complaints and my client feels she is being harassed.”

City council leader councillor John Alexander asked about a potential timescale in which the works would be done.

In response, Mr Muir said that would likely depend on when the tenant was happy to move out as the work would involve ripping up floorboards.

The works could also involve a building warrant.

Mr Muir said that without a music licence the pub was likely to close, adding: “Without the music licence this pub will cease to exist. Without that it’s finished. It’s not hyperbole.

“It’s disgusting to see the number of empty pubs in Dundee. It’s a difficult trade at the moment.

“If you want to live in the city centre, in a vibrant city, you’re going to have to expect a certain amount of noise.”

Ms Fairfield told the Tele after the meeting she was hoping the works would be completed in the next four weeks.

She added: “When I want something done, it will get done.”

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