Can offender find my address with FOI request

[dad1954]

Hi!
A local pub has started blasting out music from a performer followed by drunk karaoke, both with the accompaniment of shouting, singing revellers. It was inside the pub for years, which was fine. Because they can't do this now, each week we are deafened by the noise from 12 until 9pm every Sunday in their beer garden. I would imagine they have council permission. I would like to complain to the council. Could the pub ask who complained with a FOI request? I don't fancy my windows going through from angry punters. I am not a kill-joy, just someone who would like to sit in my garden in peace after working all week. This will be going on for months until the weather changes or we get a vaccine. Thanks.

[Amethyst]

Absolutely understand - lockdown here has been heaven without the Friday night squawking then wailing drunk arguments as they traipse home after ... thankfully they haven't reopened yet ( feel mean saying that considering ) ... but Sunday afternoon and evening and the noise starting outside would be quite horrific !

You may find page 28 of the government guidance useful https://assets.publishing.service.go...ces-310720.pdf

You could also speak with trading standards or your local police ( do you have a safer neighbourhood team?)

Do you get along with your neighbours and do they have similar concerns ? Could you write as a group ( residents of Xxxxxx road ) ? Or do you know/trust your local Councillors ?

The Licensing for outdoor entertainment has been relaxed but it is still the councils responsibility to ensure it is not a nuisance to residents, even without the Covid guidance.

You could hint - pop a copy of press from early July through their door .... "Coronavirus: 37 test positive for Covid following karaoke party held at Limavady house"

As to your question - your personal data should be redacted from any FOI request the pub made - but cock ups happen and councils are councils - so I'd try keep it unspecific to you directly as much as possible if you fear reprisals.

[dad1954]

Thank you very much for your clear and incisive reply. Much appreciated.

Not sure about Trading Standards. I've tried many times in recent years to contact them. Only way is to contact Citizens Advice, which I've found they just read from a sheet with their 'help'. If they feel it needs passing on to Trading Standards it's their decision. Gov website link for Trading Standards takes you to CAB as well.

The link you supplied was very informative. Especially the guidance on communal singing/non professional. (Karaoke)

The 37 contracting Covid was quite an alarming figure.

I don't really trust the Council in the first place. Years ago I reported a father for beating his 14 year old son in public. And I mean beating. I told the Council I didn't want my name revealing. When the father asked who had reported him they named me!! I was subjected to more threats on the phone than I care to remember.

I think the only way is to get a few of the neighbours together, as you suggest.

As 'luck' would have it it's rained most of today. (Sunday) Don't know if that's halted the planned 'concert' or if there's already been complaints. Fingers crossed it's the possible complaints.

Thank you once again for your advice.

[ploddertom]

You need to find what their Premises Licence permits them to do and I would make a note of who their Designated Supervisors are - in a lot of cases the Supervisors have moved on and the records are not updated meaning some Premises are operating unlawfully. The Council should have a copy of their latest Premises Licence.