Hooters gigs not a hoot for residents

The noise levels sky-rocketed when the restaurant started with a series of parties called the Sounds of Summer, according to fuming neighbours.

The residents claim the music caused their windows and doors to rattle and vibrate.

Three events have been held since December 27, using a tent set up outside the venue.

Artists have performed to crowds of at least 750. The last party will be this Saturday.

Hooters’ general manager Donovan Noyle said the Heugh Road eatery had all the relevant documentation in place, including noise certificates, population certificates and risk assessments.

“We did our best to accommodate people and even visited their homes when doing sound checks,” Noyle said.

“The events are not something we are holding on a regular basis but we are trying to uplift the area by bringing in artists for the tourists in town.”

Nelson Mandela Bay municipal spokesman Mthubanzi Mniki said a series of complaints had been received.

He said if complaints continued, the restaurant could be slapped with a R2 000 fine.

“They are also jeopardising their chances of a licence renewal,” Mniki said.

Cedric Schmidt, 50, who lives in Caithness Road, said while he had no problem with the establishment, the noise levels were inconsiderate.

“They say they have municipal permission, but we were not consulted,” he said.

Brian Waxham, 74, who also lives in Caithness Road, said noise levels had been an issue since Hooters opened in August, but had become unbearable lately

“They have permission to have this event but there are restrictions they are not adhering to,” Waxham said.

“They need to close their doors and not go over a certain amount of decibels.

“No one has objections to the pub being there but we also need to sleep,” Waxham said.

Alistair Dunderdale, 47, who also lives in Caithness Road, said: “It is crazy but even worse for people further up the road. I do not know how they can stand it.

“When we see each other in the street, we always ask if anyone was able to sleep the previous night.”

Sounds of Summer event organiser Renaldo Gouws said he sympathised with residents, but such events were a boost to entertainment.

He said all care had been taken to minimise the impact.

“No event went past 10.30pm and speakers were directed in such a way to minimise noise to neighbours,” Gouws said.

“As an events organiser, we followed all the rules and complied with all that the municipality set out for us.”

Gouws said he had addressed people who had complained after the first event.

“They were happy. We get that it is a nuisance, but we are providing entertainment for revellers, which is uplifting the area,” Gouws said.