Thanks all - much appreciated

So indeed, there are conditions on the award of extended opening hours.

Condition
3. No detriment to the amenity of nearby residents shall be caused by noise or other disturbance
arising out of the use of the land and/or buildings and for purpose(s) hereby authorised.
Reason
3. To ensure that the proposed development does not prejudice the enjoyment by neighbouring
occupiers of their properties. To comply with Policies 9, 82, 69 and 70 of the St. Albans District Local
Plan Review 1994.

I don't know any of the relevant legislation, but safe to say I feel like my enjoyment is being prejudiced by the racket their making. So there is something to go at.

I think I feel particularly pissed about this one as I (and most of us on the street) did a lot to support them during lockdown, going out of our way to buy take out food and support them when they couldn't open.

I also feel that they can have everything they want without causing a disturbance if they just operated a bit more responsibly. Tweak the volume down, in particular turn the bass down, spend a bit of money on some sound insulation, train the staff to manage doors/get people to leave quietly. It's not complicated.

I compare and contrast this with The Horn (rock pub with frequent live music) that I live a couple of hundred yards from. They have incredible sound insulation, double sound proof doors at the front, and (apparently) have sound engineers at the gig to manage noise, particularly bass. You can stand outside The Horn, and you can't hear the music - at all. Plus when they have an event, always two professional doormen operating, who will not let you stand outside and have a shouty conversation, and will tell everyone as they're leaving to leave quietly and respect the neighbours.

Some very helpful suggestions there for me to follow up on. Will definitely check with others in the street to see if we are alone in our views (I suspect not). And I might just get in touch with the council for some friendly advice at this early stage. It's such a shame as we have lived/worked across from each other in a very friendly way till now.

Posted By: Under soil heating, Feb 7, 10:10:15