Budgewoi Hotel issued noise complaint warning after resident complaints, covert police operation

A popular pub has been handed a formal noise complaint warning after nearby residents complained about late night disturbances. See the list of complaints.

A popular central coast hotel has been handed a formal noise complaint warning after nearby residents complained about late night disturbances including the sound of live music and noisy patrons ‘yahooing’ and ‘arguing‘ outside the venue.

The Budgewoi Hotel was issued the warning by Liquor and Gaming NSW in response to complaints from residents – as well as a covert police operation into the level of noise emanating from the venue.

The hotel – which has been trading since 1930 – has a restaurant and hosts live music events with approval to operate as late as midnight.

A joint complaint to Liquor and Gaming by three residents claimed there had been a recent increase in noise and anti-social behaviour at the venue which some residents claimed could be heard into the early hours.

The majority of complaints centred on the venue’s smoking area which residents claimed has undergone a recent expansion that turned it from a small break out space into a “sports bar” which attracts patrons who become “rowdy and yell”.

The hotel has traded for more than 90 years.

The resident gripes also centred on the behaviour of patrons leaving the venue including an alleged brawl involving people swearing and screaming,

Other complaints centred on intoxicated persons hanging around the carpark, as well as arguing, vomiting, “yahooing and making a racket”.

In 2023, NSW Police carried out a covert inspection of noise levels at the venue in which officers allegedly observed “excessively loud live music” which police claimed could “interfere with the quiet and good order of the neighbourhood.”

The complaints were investigated by Liquor and Gaming NSW.

Residents complained about noise and other disturbances.

Central Coast Council told Liquor and Gaming NSW the hotel had also undertaken unauthorised renovation works to the outdoor smoking area resulting in increased usage of the area without council approval.

Residents called on Liquor and Gaming to impose restrictions on the venue including ceasing live music 30 minutes prior to closing times and for the hotel to carry out independent acoustic monitoring.

The venue’s general manager and licensee Andrew Carson – in his response to the complaints – stated the venue’s aim was to work with the local community and to be a business that “does the right thing”.

Mr Carson said the hotel was committed to various noise mitigation measures to address disturbances, including ensuring security guards carry out inspections of local streets to enforce appropriate noise levels. The venue has also built an acoustic wall to limit noise impacts on nearby homes.

Liquor and Gaming NSW director of regulatory operations and enforcement Jane Lin – who investigated the complaints – said evidence showed the venue at times had “unduly disturbed the quiet and good order of the neighbourhood”,

Ms Lin said issuing the venue a formal warning would provide the hotel with an opportunity to implement further mitigation measures to reduce disturbances.

“I acknowledge the need for some licensed premises to pivot operationally, particularly after having suffered financially throughout the Covid-19 pandemic – however there remains a responsibility to ensure any changes in structure or operation do not lead to undue disturbance of the quiet and good order of the neighbourhood,” Ms Lin said.

The warning comes after the state government announced plans to introduce new laws protecting entertainment venues from the threat of noise complaints.

Planning Minister John Graham said the changes would end the “NSW sport of a single neighbour (with) serial complaints” shutting down venues.

The venue – which holds a full hotel licence to trade as late as midnight – is currently subject to 13 licence conditions including noise limit requirements.