This week City of York Trading Standards offers advice provided by its Environmental Health colleagues on outdoor parties.

THE arrival of the warm weather (however intermittent) brings thoughts of outdoor entertaining and parties. Great for the lucky guests, but perhaps not so good for neighbours trying to sleep - especially when the hosts hold the party in their garden.

Did you know there is a growing trend among York's party lovers to hire dance bands, DJs and karaoke equipment? Well, City of York Council's Emergency Out of Hours Environmental Health service knows, and is often contacted for help when noisy parties get out of hand.

Often those holding the parties that cause a noise nuisance argue that the party is a one-off event. Unfortunately, these one-off events can mount up, and tempers frequently flare up between neighbours.

To avoid unpleasantness, there are a few easy steps that can be taken for successful entertainment without causing a noise nuisance:

1. It's obvious - let your neighbours know if you are planning a party at home and perhaps invite them along.

2. Avoid having any amplified music outdoors, as the sound will travel some distance.

3. The playing of instruments outdoors should finish by 10pm. Not everyone appreciates improvised jazz or Beethoven's 5th symphony when trying to sleep.

4. Canvas does not prevent sound from carrying! It only keeps the rain off! Is your back garden really suitable for a marquee in which to house many guests? Consider a more suitable venue.

5. To prevent complaints of noise make sure you gather guests back inside your home by 10pm.

6. Think twice about fireworks and leave them for November 5. If you can't resist, make sure you let them off before 11pm, and warn your neighbours beforehand.

7. Contact the environmental protection team to let them know you are having an outdoor party. They are far more likely to look favourably on those trying to avoid causing a nuisance in the first place. The last thing anyone wants is for uninvited guests in the shape of a council officer with a couple of police officers in tow.

If the environmental protection team receives multiple complaints about noise from a party, enforcement action could be taken to prevent a recurrence. Magistrates can hand out hefty fines in extreme cases. So, don't let your party become a memorable event for all the wrong reasons.

For further information on this or any other noise matter, phone City of York Council's Environmental Protection Unit on 01904 551591. You can also call in at 9 St Leonard's Place, York, or email the unit at environmental.protection@york.gov.uk For advice on any other consumer matter phone Trading Standards Consumer Advice on 01904 551562.

Updated: 08:49 Thursday, July 29, 2004