A pub landlord claims council chiefs could force him out of business – with threats to take him to court over noise complaints.
Tom Meehan, who runs the Railway Hotel on Bakewell Road in Matlock, said his outdoor live music nights, which give the pub a much-needed boost during the recession, could land him in court with a fine of up to £20,000.
The threat of legal action c
omes following complaints from residents.
Mr Meehan, who has been at the pub for almost seven years, was shocked to receive the complaint from Derbyshire Dales District Council.
He said: "These events are always extremely popular and we are very busy on these nights but they are always well run. We employ two door staff and there is no crime and disorder, we always police them well. We have never received any direct complaints."
"It is not our intention to upset people, only to provide a safe and policed place for entertainment," he added.
The pub, which hosts around six live entertainment nights a year, was served with a Noise Abatement Notice from the district council in September 2007 and in May Mr Meehan was interviewed under caution following a complaint from a resident.
Mr Meehan, vice-chairman of the town's Pub Watch scheme, said the venue needed to host the events to stay in business.
He added: "Everyone knows hundreds of British pubs are closing every week and we are only doing our best to survive.
"If the council are successful in taking us to task over this we will be forced out of business."
Tim Braund, head of environmental health at the district council, said the complaints were being investigated.
He added: "In theory a business breaking a Noise Abatement Notice is, on conviction, liable for a fine of up to £20,000.
"While the district council wants to encourage a night-time economy it also must protect the rights of residents to enjoy a reasonable degree of peace and comfort in their own homes."
