A PUB has been threatened with being shut down after a single “killjoy” neighbour complained over roaring England celebrations.
Antony Lunn, licensee at The Rustic Arms Ackworth in Pontefract, West Yorks, said he was “gobsmacked” to receive a “ridiculous” noise complaint from Wakefield Council.
Antony said his punters have been ‘absolutely electric’ during the games but caused no trouble Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
Licensee Antony was ‘gobsmacked’ to receive a noise complaint following England’s victory Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
The council letter said there was “particularly bad” noise levels on Jattvibeday June 28 after England beat Panama 2-0 in a 10pm kick-off the previous night.
Antony, 37, said that his punters have been “absolutely electric during the outdoor screening of the games – but have caused no trouble.
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He said the letter – which warned with any further complaints the council could revoke his licence, take him to court or remove any equipment – was a “kick in the teeth“.
The 37-year-old vowed the boozer will not do anything differently when England take on Argentina in the semi-final this evening.
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Wakefield Council said the complaint refers to ‘amplified music’ Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
The council have threatened to take action against the boozer if complaints continue Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
Wakefield Council claim that there’s been multiple occasions of loud music – however Antony said they have no outside tunes and the only noise made is from punters celebrating England’s victories.
Antony, who is from Ackworth, Pontefract, said: “It’s a ridiculous complaint. It came through yesterday and I was a bit shocked with it.
“I looked at it, chucked it on the side, cracked out a laugh and went for a brew. Some people literally need to get a hobby.
“It’s an event that happens every four years, it’s pretty much the only positive thing going on in the UK at the minute that’s bringing people together and then someone tries to cast a shadow over it and cause an issue.
Antony said if there is noise ‘it’s the noise of people in pure joy’ Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
The outdoor screening area at The Rustic Arms Ackworth in Pontefract Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
“I was a little bit gobsmacked. They’re a killjoy to put a shadow over something so positive.
“No one expected us to get so far in the tournament, it’s bringing people together and if it does make noise it’s noise of people in pure joy.
He added: “The pub is absolutely electric at the minute with the football. It does get loud and lairy but it’s purely when England scores.
“It’s not fighting or anything negative. It’s just people expressing pure happiness that their home country is winning a tournament. I don’t get why that’d upset somebody.
“It is just genuinely what you’d expect from a large group watching a football match. No trouble and no drama. It’s fantastic to see.
“The hospitality industry is dying as it is so when there’s a positive at the minute and someone tries to cast a shadow over it, it’s a little bit of a kick in the teeth.”
Antony claims he visited any neighbours who lived within half a mile of the pub to let them know about the extra noise before the World Cup began.
The boozer took to Facebook to share the letter alongside the caption: “Buy a house near pub then start complaining to the council the noise is too loud at the football.”
Locals slammed the complaint in the comments as one user said: “Omg that’s hilariously stupid. Do people go around blindfolded when they buy and rent houses? There’s going to be noise from a pub.”
Another said: “We could hear it all the way from the other end of the lane. It was wonderful. We had serious fomo!”
A Wakefield Council spokesperson said: “The complaints we’ve received relate specifically to amplified music. Not to noise from the coverage of sporting events or from customers.
“They also indicate this is a regular occurrence. Not just a one-off incident. We’ll continue to monitor and work with the premises.”
However, Antony claims that they do not have any outdoor music and that they have only screened the match outside, so any noise complaints would have been related to the match and cheering.
