TWO Hampshire publicans have been told to pay a £5,650 court bill after losing their appeal against a noise abatement notice.
Jo and Ian Laver, who run the Forest Inn at Lyndhurst Road, Ashurst, are also facing restrictions on outdoor music events following a hearing at Southampton Magistrates' Court.
The court ruled the couple can stage external gigs only four times a year - and each one must stop at 10pm.
No limit was placed on how often bands can perform inside, but Mr and Mrs Laver must install a noise limiter to cut the sound if it exceeds the level permitted by New Forest District Council. They must also keep all doors and windows closed while music is playing.
The couple had previously warned that the pub would have to close if they were banned from staging live music.
Speaking earlier this year they claimed that only one of the families living opposite the site had complained about the noise made by bands.
READ MORE: Forest Inn, Ashurst, loses appeal against Noise Abatement Notice
Mrs Laver said music was staged only on Friday or Saturday nights, always stopped before 11pm and was often drowned out by the sound of lorries thundering along the neighbouring A35.
Ashurst residents who supported the appeal included Roland and Lorraine Bennett.
Their letter to the council said: "At no time has the music extended beyond the advertised opening hours, and in some instances has finished well before.
"The Forest Inn is situated on its own with no neighbouring properties on either side."
The letter said homes opposite the business were separated from the pub by the A35, a dense line of trees and a service road.
It added: "We cannot understand there being any issues or concerns."
A council spokesperson said: "Officers will work with the landlord of the pub, if requested, to assist them in complying with the notice and help improve the environment for those residents who had been suffering from noise nuisance.
"The court varied the abatement notice to include specific measures for them to action and adhere to regarding noise nuisance from music and amplified speech from the pub."
Asked about the hearing Mr and Mrs Laver said it was "totally unfair" that they were having to pay the costs.
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