06/08/2026
Sign our Petition Here https://c.org/TvW4v6x7FR
By now you may be aware that a noise abatement notice has been served to the Cage and as a result it appears that we are not allowed to host any live music until further notice. I would like to add some context and background to this issue.
The Cage has been a live music venue for 26 years and is one of the main stages for the Reigate Music festival. We have a licence to play music outside in the courtyard until 11pm, 7 days a week however generally we only host bands or DJs once on a weekend during the summer only and very rarely during the week. We have worked with the police and licensing team to ensure we provide a safe experience for all our customers. Live music is part of the character of the area; it is in the town centre and is mainly surrounded by commercial buildings.
We were first contacted in May this year by a person who had recently moved into Reigate town centre, ironically, he stated “Reigate's community is one of the reasons why we opted to live in the area “. The complainant, yes there is only one, explained how the noise was affecting him and his family. Pilgrim Brewery has always tried to be a good neighbour and, in this case, once we received the complaint, we unilaterally decided to stop all music earlier (around 10:30pm) and to work with the bands and DJs to try and reduce the volume. The complainant chose to move into a busy town centre near to a live music venue, and if he gets his way he will have more than likely closed down a venue that has been part of the community for decades.
What I am very surprised about is the Environmental Health Departments dealing with this matter. We have been in regular communication with them and recently received a letter dated 16th July recommending that “you review the volume of the music and frequency of events to prevent any future potential nuisance arising” As far as we were concerned, we had reviewed and fixed the issue; we only have on average one event a week and we had (so we thought) addressed the volume and timings. After writing back to them we then received an email on the 23rd July stating “It is appreciated that these measures have been implemented voluntarily to try and minimise the impact on nearby residents.” So, receiving an abatement notice on the 5th August, some 2 weeks later was a shock.
At no stage were we given any warning that an abatement notice might be served. Also, in the actual notice there is no explanation as to how we can comply with the order. The notice states” No statutory noise nuisance shall be caused to the occupiers of any residential premises by music or entertainment noise, whether live or recorded, amplified or unamplified, or by the use of any amplification or sound reproduction equipment” So what is a noise nuisance, what volume is ok and what isn’t, is an acoustic set once a month a nuisance or if its below a certain volume is it OK to host events every night? There are criminal sanctions if we fail to adhere to the notice, unlimited fines or in the worst-case imprisonment, and yet the notice is vague and unhelpful.
It is an absolute certainty that without live music the Cage will not survive as a hospitality venue; it is only the busy summer months that sustain the business over the winter months. We would appreciate any support you can give and if you have time, please sign the petition linked above and in the comments. Having sought legal advice, the only way to fight this is to appeal the notice which will require the services of a Noise Nuisance Barrister. As such we aim to launch a funding page and again any support is welcome.
Thank you for reading and if you have any suggestions that could help please contact me
[email protected]
