Noise Limiters for Bars and Restaurants: What They Are, When You Need One, and How to Do It Properly (UK)

Ben Pinson-Eggleton
Dec 16, 2025
3 min read

If you run a venue with amplified music, the fastest way to lose control of your operation is inconsistent sound levels great one night, a problem the next. A correctly specified noise limiter strategy (paired with sensible zoning, tuning and building detailing) is often the difference between a venue that scales confidently and one that lives in constant fear of complaints.

Why noise becomes a business risk

In England and Wales, councils must investigate complaints that may amount to a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and can serve an abatement notice requiring the noise to stop or be restricted.

Separately, under the Licensing Act 2003, venues are assessed against licensing objectives including the prevention of public nuisance, and licensing conditions are commonly used to manage amplified sound.

What a “noise limiter” actually is

A noise limiter is a control device (or system function) that prevents the venue’s audio from exceeding an agreed maximum level, typically by controlling output to amplifiers or DSP. Importantly, a limiter is not a substitute for good system design; it’s a safety rail that protects the venue, staff and neighbours when the room is busy or the wrong person touches the controls.

When you’re likely to need one

You’re most likely to need a formal limiter strategy if:

You have nearby residential neighbours (especially above or adjacent)
Your licence application includes regulated entertainment, DJs, or late operation
Environmental Health request controls as part of the premises licence conditions

Many councils explicitly require that regulated entertainment does not start until a limiter is installed and calibrated to their satisfaction, and may also require annual recalibration with certificates submitted.

Calibration matters more than the hardware

A limiter only works if it’s calibrated to your venue’s real-world risk points (façade, party walls, ceilings, structure-borne paths). This is why councils often require calibration “to the satisfaction” of Environmental Health and a repeatable method with documentation.

In practice, the right approach is: design the system to sound good at sensible levels, then calibrate limiting so you still get energy and atmosphere without crossing into nuisance.

The mistakes that cause complaints (even with a limiter)

Too few speakers, run too hard

Hotspots encourage staff to turn the system down in one area, then up again elsewhere—creating peaks and inconsistency.

No zoning

Bars, dining, entrances and WC corridors behave differently. A single master volume invites problems.

Structure-borne vibration not addressed

Low frequencies travel through building structure. Many licensing conditions explicitly require speakers to be isolated from the structure (pads, mounts, etc.).

Limiter set unrealistically low

If the system sounds thin, staff will bypass it, disconnect it, or fight it. The limiter must be part of a coherent design.

Don’t forget: staff exposure is also regulated

Music venues and hospitality spaces also have duties under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. The Regulations define exposure action values (for example, 80 dB(A) lower and 85 dB(A) upper daily/weekly exposure action values, with 87 dB(A) exposure limit values).

In other words: good sound management is not only about neighbours it’s also about protecting your team and reducing long-term risk.

A simple “good practice” checklist for venues

Zoned audio (bar / dining / circulation / WC / terrace) with sensible presets
Discreet coverage: more even speakers, running quieter
Limiter strategy integrated into DSP/control (not an afterthought)
Isolation detailing for speakers/subs and any building-contact points
Measurement-led commissioning and a documented handover
Ongoing maintenance so settings don’t drift and staff don’t “fix” things the wrong way

How BPE AUDIO approaches limiter-led compliance (without killing the vibe)

Our goal is straightforward: keep the venue sounding warm and premium at everyday levels, with a limiter strategy that protects you during peaks. If you’re planning a new fit-out or dealing with complaints, send your plans (or even a quick video walkthrough) and we’ll advise on zoning, speaker strategy, likely transmission paths, and a practical route to compliance.