A pub owner recently uploaded a snap of a cheeky sign erected by a landlord after the establishment received noise complaints from neighbours.
Michael Campbell reportedly put up the sign at the Hare and Hounds after getting tired of constant complaints.
The message swiped at residents who pushed against the noise in the pub’s garden despite choosing to live near the establishment.
The pub, in Essex, has been told it could be fined or even risk closure due to complaints by neighbours, reports EssexLive.
The cheeky notice, written by Michael himself, reads: "Dear customers, can we please ask that you WHISPER whilst in our garden.
"This is due to the fact that we have NEIGHBOURS that forget they live next door to a PUB and not a LIBRARY and have nothing better to do than run to the COUNCIL and WHINGE".
The notice was praised online and in person by customers.
Michael said: "We are just a business trying to survive. We have been closed for over a year due to lockdowns and they are trying to close us again.
"I think the sign is appropriate. I completely understand that it's a little cheeky, but it's more of a statement.
"The feedback we have had since putting those banners up has been amazing. Everyone is quite literally telling us that it's right."
Michael has admitted that the pub used to be a quiet country location, but since reopening in April 2021 has seen a boost in customers.
During lockdown, the venue transformed its large garden to accommodate more customers, increasing the capacity from 46 indoors to 300 both indoors and outdoors.
And, it even put on live music on Saturdays in the garden.
Michael opened the business four years ago and believes the changes have helped the pub fulfil its potential.
But, the Hare and Hound has been threatened with closure after complaints from two neighbours.
Michael said: "The licence allows it. It's not that loud, it's really not that loud and we stop the music at 11 pm, most of the time before that even.
"Every weekend we are getting 'noise complaints' from the council, telling us that the noise is causing a 'statutory nuisance' to the point we were served an 'abatement notice' meaning that if we make 'too much noise' the council will take us to court and give us a huge fine.
"They are also trying to put a closure notice on me which could shut our garden for three months.
"Without the garden, our capacity would drop by 260 to around 46 but 40 people wouldn't even cover the bills."
The pub owner claims he sent letters to his neighbours to tell them about his plans for outdoor seating and entertainment.
If the closure happens, Michael may have to lay off 36 members of staff.
He added: "It's amazing, the support of customers has been fantastic.
"We will not go down without a fight. Absolutely not. And will still be open until we are literally forced to close."
However, council bosses have defended their decision to pursue action against the pub.
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A Braintree District Council spokesman, said: “We have received over 30 noise complaints from numerous households since April 16, arising from the use of the pub garden.
"As the local authority, we have an obligation to investigate all complaints we receive and we have been trying to work with the owner of this establishment to resolve the issues.
"Ultimately it is for the business owner to control and manage his business and to act responsibly.
"Six different officers from this authority have verified the complaints from residents, even when taking into account the nature of the business, and there has been no significant improvement despite guidance and advice being offered.
"Of course we want to support local businesses during this time, but unfortunately it has become necessary for Braintree District Council to consider stronger measures to limit the impact to residents from the business.”
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