Noisy late night parties can cause distress to neighbours. This section outlines how to minimise problems at a party.

Your council can help you if you are having problems with noise from parties.

• Preparing for a party
• Controlling the noise
• What can happen to me?

Preparing for a party

Tell your neighbours well in advance. This will give them a chance to make other arrangements. Don't just tell your next door neighbours. If you live in a flat you should tell the people living upstairs and downstairs as well.

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Controlling the noise

There are a number of easy steps you can take to control the noise level of your party:

• Check the noise level - Go outside from time to time to check that the noise level isn't too high. If you've been a room with loud music, you may not hear as well as usual.
• Position the speakers carefully- Keep speakers away from walls you share with neighbours, and don't point them at windows. Keep the bass as low as possible.
• Keep windows closed if possible- Try to contain the music in one room.
• Leave quietly- Get your guests to leave as quietly as possible. If taxis are collecting people ask them to not sound the horn when they arrive. Ask your guests to be quiet and respectful if they're moving about in shared corridors or entrances.

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What can happen to me?

You are responsible for the behaviour of your guests. Any legal action for noise nuisance will be taken against you, not your guests. You could be fined up to £5,000 for noise nuisance. The council could also confiscate your sound system.