Accrington Stanley loses functions licence over noise complaints

East Lancashire football club has been banned from holding events with live or amplified music at its two function venues.

Accrington Stanley has had the premises licence for its hospitality complex at it Crown Ground modified by councillors following a complaint about noise from nearby householders.

It means that the club has had to close its 1968 Lounge and Coley’s supporters for events such as celebrations including birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and Christmas parties for the forseeable future except on matchdays until 7.30pm.

Any functions already booked at the two venues will now be cancelled.

The move follows a decision by Hyndburn Council’s licensing sub-committee after a review hearing on Thursday March 6.

The councillors decided that new conditions on the two hospitality suites at the ground in Livingstone Road – also known as the Wham Stadium – should be imposed on the premises licence.

The club has had a long dispute with Hyndburn Council and its neighbours about the level of sound from the complex which contains its 1968 Lounge and Coley’s supporters bar.

The new conditions imposed by the committee include:

* all live and recorded music is prohibited at the premises, except on men’s first team home league match days between the hours of midday and 7.30pm with strict decibel limits;

* all music to be played through the premises’ in-house sound systems which must be fitted with a noise limiter; and

* all external areas of the premises shall not be used for the consumption of alcohol after 10pm.

The reasons for the decision say: “The committee were satisfied beyond any doubt that the licensing objective for the prevention of public nuisance was not being upheld, and that a public nuisance was repeatedly being caused to residents in the vicinity through noise emitted from the premises and the impact of events being held there.

“The committee wish to note that they would welcome an application to vary the premises licence once the sound-proofing works have been completed.

“The committee felt that revocation or suspension of the licence in its entirety would be a disproportionate step and have therefore resolved to modify the licence.”

A club statement following the publication of the decision on Thursday said: “I write with a heavy heart to share some important news regarding Coley’s bar and the 1968 Lounge.

“Recently, Accrington Stanley attended a hearing at the Hyndburn Council offices following a complaint from several residents of Livingstone Road and Whalley Road, Accrington.

“The complaint centred around the issue of public nuisance caused by live, amplified, and recorded music emanating from our venue.

“Regrettably, our football club has lost the right to stage functions, where live and amplified music will be played.

“This encompasses a wide range of celebrations, including birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, Christmas parties, and more.

“It is with a great deal of sadness that we have made the difficult decision to close the venue for the foreseeable future, except on matchdays, where an allowance has been made until 7.30pm.

“We understand the cherished memories and joy that these events have brought to many.

“However, we must respect the ruling.

“The impact of this decision will be devastating for many customers, supporters, and businesses that have booked events that will now unfortunately now need to be cancelled.”