The Rainbow pub in Digbeth, Birmingham has been issued with a noise abatement order. Like many pubs in the area it’s not simply a drinking establishment – it’s also a music venue and one of the key ones in the city.
Digbeth was an industrial area. The industry is moving out and it’s suffering an acute case of the regenerations (symptoms include a rash of artists and, oh, did I make this joke already? Sorry.) meaning flats have been built where once there were factories and warehouses. Factories and warehouses didn’t mind when music was played of an evening no matter how loud. People in flats, especially those where the developer may well have skimped on the required soundproofing, are more apt to notice.
Fortunately only one person appears to be that bothered by the beats and blares emanating from the various music venues around the place. Unfortunately only one complaint is needed to trigger a noise abatement order. One of those orders was just issued against The Rainbow.
This shit has been dragging on for years now and to be honest it’s way more complicated than my summary. If you want the facts I’d advise you to dig the Internets for them. But the fact remains that one of the better music venues in the city will probably have to close now, setting a precedent for the other music venues in the area.
It seems there’s to be a gathering at the Rainbow on Friday at 6.30pm. I have no idea what this will involve or how effective it’ll be but I imagine there’ll be music and noise and general rousing of rabbles. If you care and can make it then please do. It’s on the corner of Adderley Street and High Street Deritend. Here’s a map.
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