The days of naggy neighbours complaining about restaurant noise levels is coming to an end.

After listening to the concerns of local business owners, the State Government has pushed through a new set of noise complaint regulations designed to protect venues from serial complainants (you know who you are).

From July 1, 2024,  the order of occupancy (ie, who was there first) will become a key consideration in determining the outcome of disturbance complaints. If the pub existed before John and Betty moved in next door, then the pub will be favoured in any noise disputes. This applies both ways.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said: “When it comes to noise complaints, these enhanced order of occupancy provisions will give strong consideration to who was there first.

“These reforms recognise that if people move next door to a licensed premises, they should expect a certain level of noise will come from the operation of the venue.

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“However, where a venue has significantly altered its operations, this also needs to be considered,” Harris said.

The number of people required to make a disturbance complaint against a licensed premises will also increase from three to five, and they’ll be cracking down on fake complaints from your mates.

Complaints will not be accepted from the same household or business, and complainants will need to show that they have tried to resolve any issues with the business first, before calling up Liquor & Gambling NSW to rant.

The NSW Government has also introduced measures to help keep the peace with the people next door. New soundproofing grants will help protect residents from unwanted noise in their neighbourhoods. 21 new and existing venues have been awarded $100,000 for soundproofing and sound management to minimise disturbance. A further 56 venues will received up to $80,000 for essential equipment.

The Lansdowne and The Lord Gladstone in Chippendale, The Tamworth Hotel, The Bowlo Bangalow and The Local Flynns Beach in Port Macquarie are just some of the venues to receive the $100K grant for soundproofing. The Bearded Tit in Redfern, Icebergs Dining Room + Bar in Bondi, The Old Fitz in Wooloomooloo and Rising Sun Workshop in Newtown will receive the $80K grant.

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said: “The old NSW sport of moving in next to a music venue and complaining until it gets shut down, is now history. That era is coming to an end.

“The soundproofing and venue support will mean venues can host more live music, whilst reducing the impact on their neighbours.

“Bit by bit, we are rebuilding Sydney’s night-time economy, venue by venue, neighbourhood by neighbourhood.

“We made a commitment to increase the number of live music venues across NSW and through ongoing reform and the Venues Unlocked grant programs we are enabling venues to expand their offerings, while also supporting new music venues to get their performance programming off the ground.”

Related news: Is it ever OK to ask a restaurant to turn the music down?