CIVIC chiefs have ordered tougher live music regulations at Poole’s Victoria Cross pub following complaints about “excessive” noise.

Borough of Poole’s licensing subcommittee ruled to disapply the Live Music Act exemptions at the Ashley Road venue, which means the pub may have to apply for permission every time it wants to put on a gig.

The subcommittee also added new conditions to the licence, including ensuring windows and doors remain closed during entertainment activities and installing a sound limiting device.

Environmental health officers had called for the council to implement tougher regulations at the venue, after dealing with a number of noise complaints.

Neighbour Yousef Mohammed, one of three people who wrote to the council complaining of noise, said: “I live opposite The Victoria Cross and it has been a real nightmare with all the noise and loud music.”

Mr Mohammed, who has three young children, explained he’d complained about the noise for years. “Sometimes the noise goes on until early in the morning, especially at the weekend with discos and loud music.”

Another neighbour, Mark Bond, said: “Very often the bass can be heard over our television and when live bands are playing we can hear what they are singing as well.”

However, neighbour Stacy Way – who has lived nearby with her two children for almost five years – contacted Borough of Poole to say her children had never been woken up or kept awake by noise coming from the pub.

Borough of Poole licensing team manager Frank Wenzel explained: “The Live Music Act 2012 amended the Licensing Act 2003 by deregulating the performance of live music on licensed premises up to 11pm and any conditions relating to live music become suspended.

“However, if, as in the case of the Victoria Cross, live music causes a noise nuisance, a review of the licence can be called and live music reinstated as regulated entertainment.”

The conditions will not come into force until a period for an appeal has expired.