Published: Friday, 19th August 2022

A restaurant and shisha bar in Woolwich has been fined a total of £2,046.05 for late-night noise disturbances.  

A restaurant and shisha bar in Woolwich has been fined a total of £2,046.05 for late-night noise disturbances.  

The Royal Borough of Greenwich has successfully prosecuted Mr Abdul Aziz Ghabaya, owner of The Courtyard, a restaurant and shisha bar.  

Following an investigation by the Council’s community protection team, and multiple complaints from residents, The Courtyard was found to be causing considerable noise disturbances to people living close by. Council officers received a number of reports and complaints about amplified music coming from the premises, especially late at night.  

Before going to court, the restaurant and shisha bar, which opened last year, was repeatedly issued warnings before serving a noise abatement notice in accordance with the Environmental Act 1990. But Mr Ghabaya ignored warnings and notices and refused to comply, thus breaching the abatement notice, so the Council was forced to prosecute. 

Mr Ghabya was fined £375 per offence and was ordered to pay a £75 victim surcharge with additional costs of £1,221.05, totalling £2,046.05.  

Councillor Ann-Marie Cousins said “Businesses like shisha bars need to understand the consequences of playing loud music, especially in residential areas. Loud music is unacceptable and selfish to those living nearby. Residents deserve to sleep in their homes peacefully without disturbances. We encourage any residents experiencing noise nuisance to get in touch with our team.” 

To report a noise complaint, visit royalgreenwich.gov.uk/safety-and-environment