‘Public nuisance’ fears over pub’s live music

A historic Herefordshire pub’s plans for more outdoor live music will have to be decided on by councillors after concerns were raised over disturbance this would cause to nearby homes.

The grade II* listed Talbot Hotel, New Street, Ledbury is seeking to extend its licence to permit live music, recorded music and “performances of dance” in its courtyard until 10pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

A consultation on the new bid brought two objections, prompting it to be passed to Herefordshire Council’s licensing sub-committee, licensing officials said in an email to the pub’s owners, Wadworth & Co of Devizes, Wiltshire.

One was from the council’s environmental health officer, who said their department had had complaints from nearby residents about noise from music events in the courtyard in the past.

“The structure of this courtyard area also is not suitable for music events because of its hard standing structure and walls with reflective hard surfaces,” they claimed.

The county’s principal licensing officer warned the pub’s manager Richard Jennings after an event last August that live music in the courtyard “is not authorised and must cease immediately”.

Future breaches could lead to a summary conviction “carrying up to six months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine”, the officer warned.

Recently elected ward councillor Stef Simmons also objected to the bid on the basis of “prevention of public nuisance” to residents.

The application will now be decided by the licensing sub-committee of councillors next Thursday (July 13).

Dating from the 16th century, the pub is already licensed for indoor live music, as well as alcohol and food sales, until midnight each night, and to serve through the night on New Year’s Eve.