Popular Paignton café/bar facing council review over live music complaints

A popular Paignton cafe/bar faces a fight to keep its music licence after neighbours complained about the noise.

One said they often leave their home when entertainment is on at Molly’s on the harbourside just to escape, while another said they would not be able to read a book or watch TV because the noise was so loud.

Supporters, however, have rallied round to support the venue, with one saying: “Come on, Paignton, we can do better than bow to one joyless person.”

Musicians playing at the venue say they always finish by 9pm and other neighbours say the volume of the music is never a problem and events always finish on time.

Torbay Council’s licensing committee meets next week (February 19) to consider a review of the venue’s licence.

A report to the meeting says live music happens at Molly’s up to three or four nights a week, starting at 6pm or 6.30 pm and lasting for three to four hours. The report says the council has received four noise complaints from people living nearby.

Council officers have assessed the noise and advised the licence holder but, the report says: “The nuisance has continued.” It goes on to say that because Molly’s is an outdoor venue with no permanent roof, it is unsuitable for live and recorded music.

The first noise complaint was received by the council in August last year, then two more complaints were received in November and December.

A licensing officer carried out tests in December and found: “The noise level observed in the surrounding areas was such that it would, in my opinion, constitute a public nuisance.”

The licensee agreed to reduce the volume, but the officer said tests three days later showed: “There appeared to be no improvement in the situation, and the volume seemed no lower than it did when I visited last time.”

After a complainant sent video of a music event that went on beyond 10pm, an abatement notice was served. More complaints two days later led the council to notify the licensee that the licence could be reviewed, and there was another complaint when an ABBA tribute band appeared there that night.

The most recent ‘excessive noise’ complaint dates from December 28.

Molly’s has grown from being a small tea and seafood stall into a busy cafe/bar with decking and a temporary roof. An application to create a permanent roof structure was refused by the council in 2023.

One supporter wrote to the council saying: “Mollys is not a rowdy venue, nor is it a place where disorderly behaviour occurs. It is a valued local live-music venue that is well-supported by the community.”

Another said: “It is an amazing local venue that should be celebrated by all.”

Some suggested the complainants were recent arrivals in the area.

Licence holder Bob and Barney’s Ltd wrote to the committee saying: “Molly’s at Paignton Harbour has been holding live music events for the past five and half years, helping the harbour transform to once again a jewel of the bay during some difficult times for all.

“Losing permission for live music will not only affect the loss of staff employment, but would jeopardise the future of Molly’s at this already difficult time for the hospitality Industry.”

The owners say they are willing to stick by a number of conditions, including enforcing noise limits and making sure loudspeakers point out towards the harbour.