The atmosphere in Preston’s pubs and clubs could suffer if Government plans to introduce sound control devices are sanctioned.

Government officials are currently debating the policy whereby all entertainment venues across the country could be fitted with noise control limiters.

An online petition to oppose the scheme states: “This will be the final nail for all entertainment in the UK as the level at which these devices cut you off is dreadfully low and damaging”.

Bar Manager of Source and 53 Degrees, Stephanie Guy, said: “We have never had any complaints from the public about noise levels inside the venue, just about the noise people make when leaving the club.”

53 Degrees already adheres to regulated decibel limits to control the noise levels for DJ’s and live music events. In addition, staff working at the club are provided with earplugs as part of current health and safety regulations.

The ramifications of the new law could also lower music levels in popular student nightspots such as PR1 and Lava and Ignite as well as karaoke nights in various bars.

Stephanie added: “I’m sure it would not affect our business as all venues would be limited in the same way but it’s the live music fans that would suffer. Bands performing at 53 degrees, such as Glasvegas need the impact of a louder sound.”

Internet sites are rife with public opinion regarding the scheme. Members of one Facebook group said: “This is wrong on many levels” and “The limits they want to set mean that just the crowd cheering can be over the limit.”

The online petition deadline at Number10.gov.uk passed on 23 January 2009 with around 80,000 signatures. If the law is agreed it could come into practice in the new tax year.