Music venue due back on track soon
A POPULAR venue for live music in Port Elizabeth struck a false note with some of its neighbours but hopes improvements to its facilities will clear the air soon.
Over the last year the New Cash Store, a restaurant, pub and venue in the Sardinia Bay area, has attracted a number of well-known local and national musicians for live performances.
This has, however, caused some unhappiness with a handful of neighbours who feel the noise levels are unacceptable.
Now the owners, Doug and Claire Pudney, are spending “a six-figure amount” to improve the venue’s soundproofing so that they can still host live shows without disturbing the community.
“We have always been careful about the noise we make, and have always made sure our noise levels are within the legal limit. But we understand the concerns from some of our neighbours and are doing everything we can to put their minds at ease,” Pudney said yesterday.
The Cash Store has been on Sardinia Bay Road since 1936 when it served as a trading store for the farming community.
Over time it has evolved from a tea garden to a pub and restaurant, and even a popular wedding and function venue that seats between 200 and 300 people.
Since the Pudneys took ownership a year ago, live music has become another attraction.
However, some of their shows over the past few weeks had to be postponed due to noise complaints and subsequent improvements being done to the venue.
According to Pudney, they have consulted various sound specialists to minimise their noise and construction on the improvements, due to cost more than R100 000, has already started.
“We got the final analysis from the experts on Thursday but improvements have already started. Our normal restaurant, pub and venue is still fully operational, and we hope to have the live music shows back in full swing by the end of October.”
Michael Petrie, who lives down the road from the New Cash Store, declined to comment, but confirmed he was part of the group that sided against the noise.
He referred Weekend Post to spokeswoman Claire Petrie, who could not be reached for comment.
While some neighbours have raised concerns about the noise, the majority agree with neighbour Donne Lucas, who said they did not have any problems with the New Cash Store’s live music.
“I . . . have nothing to complain about. Any noise in my house is louder than their music, and their shows are usually done between 10 and 11pm,” Lucas said.