Leven bar keeps licence despite 28 noise complaints in four months

Marviks, at 23 Durie Street, was called in front of Fife Licensing Board on Monday, after council officers recorded three verified instances of excessive noise levels.

Douglas Hardaker, Licensing Standards Officer (LSO), said: “The pub has had three verified nuisance complaints, caused mainly by music.

“We carried out checks on August 3, and found there was loud music. The PA could be heard from inside a home, resulting in a warning being issued.”

Officers returned two weeks later and issued a second warning after more complaints.

Mr Hardaker continued: “Officers attended a resident’s home at 11.50pm, where music was clearly audible inside, resulting in a second warning being issued.

“The owner claimed to have made several calls to resolve the situation but could give no details.

“Advice was given to get professional advice and consider a sound monitor, and the mangement was told a third warning would result in its licence being revoked.”

Twenty four hours later, officers were again called out by residents.

Mr Hardaker said: “The complaint came just two hours after a meeting with management.

“The fabric of the building makes it unsuitable for live music and it’s my belief that the licence should be restricted to prevent public nuisance.”

A representative for Marviks said the owner, Mrs Vicky Smith, had “created a safe environment for local people, and their family and friends.”

The pub has undergone £2500 of refurbishment, and employs 15 members of staff.

The representative added: “The team is not sitting on their hands, it is working hard to resolve the issues.

“Action has been taken to reduce noise – staff check at regular intervals to make sure the music is not too loud. Radios have been given to staff members, the door next to the stage has been kept closed, and they have had a report from a sound engineer. They are taking these matters seriously.

“A sound curtain has been installed, and foam pads put in, and work is ongoing to put in double glazing and put in a new set of doors.”

Board members heard that work could be implemented within the next four to six weeks.

The bar was granted permission to continue with its licence, under the condition that it appears at the next licensing board meeting with an update on progress.