Couple sues cafe next door because its music 'diminishes their quality of life'

31 July 2023 , 21:04

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Gary and Donna claimed in the suit that the venue's music affects their “enjoyment of their property, diminishes their quality of life (Image: google maps)

A couple have sued a business near their home claiming live music has become a nuisance.

Labyrinth Press Company, a cafe, restaurant, and lounge with patio seating, in Jamestown, New York, claims it has correct licencing permits to play music - with the venue known to host indie music acts touring through the country.

However, nearby residents Gary and Donna Templin have filed a lawsuit with the Chautauqua County State Supreme Court over the outdoor entertainment and the noise they claim interferes with their enjoyment at home. They are now hoping to prevent the restaurant from playing music outdoors on the same block, according to local outlet WRFA.

Gary and Donna claimed in the suit that the venue's music affects their “enjoyment of their property, diminishes their quality of life, and diminishes their property value." They are also seeking damages from Labyrinth Press Company's owner, Jeff James.

According to the suit, the couple had originally turned to police for help - but “the Police do not want to get involved in civil matters between ‘residents’ and the City of Jamestown cannot police unusually loud music every time Defendants broadcast outdoor music at their businesses.”.

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The Mirror has contacted the Labyrinth Press Company for a comment.

Yet, one resident who politely asked their neighbour to turn down their TV overnight received a far from courteous response. As outraged Reddit users discovered, when someone shared the interaction online, the calm and considered letter was rebuffed by the noisy neighbour. As seen in a now-deleted post shared to the 'mildlyinfuriating' forum, one of the neighbours sent the other a short, respectful note.

"Recently we have been able to hear your TV in our bedroom. It has woken us up at 2am and 4am on different nights this week. Please keep it down. Thank you," it read. Unfortunately, it sounds like the recipient has no intention of listening to the plea. In fact, they dismissed the complaint, scrawling "solution is buy ear plugs" angrily across the letter.

But Reddit users, who were far from impressed by the reply, suggested all is not lost for the letter sender. One person revealed: "My old downstairs neighbour would blast music at any time. So loud it would make the floor and stuff shake. I got a sound bar with a sub & let the games begin. Mini concerts every day after work made him keep it down."

Abigail O'Leary