A PUB landlord has been told he can continue to provide entertainment to his customers despite objections by more than a dozen residents.

Howard Dougill, who runs the Tansy Green, on Connel Close, Breightmet, was accused by neighbours of causing a nuisance.

A resident claimed his karaoke nights were too loud and people queuing for taxis at closing time were disruptive.

But the licensing and environmental regulation committee at Bolton Council ruled Mr Dougill could continue to allow music and dancing at his pub as long as it stopped by 11pm.

He was also told he had to close all windows and doors during an entertainment session.

Mr Dougill had told the committee that he needed the licence to survive.

He said: "All of the pubs in the area have an entertainment licence and to compete, it's necessary for me to have one too.

Excessive

"I don't think the noise is excessive and I do try to keep it down."

Bolton Council has the power to determine whether or not a licence should be granted.

Mr Dougill had to face the committee because he allowed his previous licence to expire on April 21, 2001 and did not submit a new one until July 27.

One objector said: "Mr Dougill allows his fire doors to be opened during performances and the music fills the street.

"Even when they're closed, though, the noise is too much. When it gets to closing time, we all have to suffer people shouting and slamming car doors."

A petition was signed and handed to the committee members.

There were six complaints to Environmental Services about noise from September 29, 1993, to June 13, 2001.