You need to be aware that there are four specific issues that cause public nuisance and need to be managed:

A. Noise,
B. Odour,
C. Litter and waste,
D. Light pollution.

Detailed guidance aimed at licensed premises is available the Environmental Health Section and should help you understand the main factors; assess their impact; and exercise control.

Noise Nuisance:

Amplified music and other noise associated with events can cause significant problems to neighbouring residents and cause them to make complaints to the Police and the Council.

Neighbourhood Noise Checklist:

  • Make one person responsible for dealing with all noise issues. Consider who are you likely to disturb?
  • Let neighbours know about the nature, timing and duration of your event and tell them what to expect by a letterbox drop, notices in local shops/community centre etc;
  • Provide a contact telephone number to receive information/complaints from residents;
  • Be considerate about how loudly music is played, particularly late at night;
  • Keep windows and doors closed if the noise source is inside a building;
  • Bass level noise is the most intrusive; lowering the volume of the bass will help to reduce how far it carries;
  • Some neighbours could be working or sleeping, try to encourage guests leaving late to leave as quietly as possible;
  • Be reasonable and try to negotiate through any problems;
  • Gatecrashers can spoil an event and cause rowdiness, so try to control tickets and the entrance to your event;
  • Consider the timing of your event?
  • Events may not be as well tolerated or acceptable if they run late or are particularly noisy. Please make every effort to talk to your neighbours, as it will reduce complaints;
  • If a statutory noise nuisance is caused the Local Authority is obliged to serve an Abatement Notice on the organiser or person causing the nuisance. Failure to comply with the Notice could result in the seizure of the amplification equipment and/or prosecution.

Firework Displays:

Firework displays can cause considerable nuisance, distress and danger to those who have not been advised, or considered, in the planning of the event. Displays should finish, as early as possible and in most locations the use of 'mortar shells' and similar high noise fireworks is not generally considered appropriate.

You should bear in mind the proximity to City Airport in Docklands to the event site and provide the Civil Aviation Authority with a minimum of 28 days notice of fireworks, the use of lasers or similar displays.

They will advise on the related legislation based practices that must be followed to ensure public safety. Consultation must also take place with Air Traffic Control prior to the event and on the day of the event.

If you are employing a professional to provide your firework display this should be considered as part of the risk assessment produced in relation to their activity.