Worthing nightclub owner fined after breaching noise notice
Released: Wednesday, 30 April 2025
A nightclub owner has been ordered to pay more than £11,000 after we recorded the business repeatedly disturbing residents with late-night noise.
We took action after members of the community complained about the noise coming from the former Angels Bar & Club in High Street, Worthing.
Our environmental protection team issued the owner, Omar Rafique, with a noise abatement notice that required him to ensure locals were no longer disturbed by the business.
But when complaints continued to be received, our investigations proved that the notice was being breached.We therefore pursued legal action to ensure compliance and protect nearby residents from ongoing disturbance.
Mr Rafique was summoned to appear at Worthing Magistrates' Court on Monday 28th April 2025 where he was sentenced after previously pleading guilty for failing to comply with the requirements of the notice.
The court fined Mr Rafique £5,000 and ordered him to pay £1,000 in compensation to the residents involved with the case and a further £5,737.51 in costs.
The noise abatement notice was served under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which aims to protect the environment against pollution, emissions, waste and more. It was also supported by resident victim impact statements, detailing how the persistent noise impacted their lives.
Councillor Rosey Whorlow, Worthing's cabinet member for safety, equalities and inclusion, said:
"This prosecution demonstrates our commitment to taking firm action against businesses that disregard the wellbeing of our residents by failing to control the noise they are making.
“While we want to see local businesses thrive, this cannot be at the expense of people's right to peace and quiet in their own homes. The significant fine and the award of full costs and resident compensation reflect the seriousness of this breach and the impact it had.
“We hope this sends a clear message that noise abatement notices must be taken seriously, and failure to comply can lead to substantial penalties."
We use our powers to investigate noise complaints and take enforcement action where necessary.
Residents experiencing statutory noise nuisance are encouraged to report it to our environmental protection team:
Photo: The former Angels Bar & Club building in High Street, Worthing
(PR25-027)
Page last updated: 30 April 2025