My apologies if this has been posted already:

Tough rules sought for `noisy' club
The Docks poses `health hazard' to neighbours: MD
Liquor licence hearing panel mulls restrictions

LESLIE FERENC
STAFF REPORTER

Blaring music and raucous noise from a popular lakeside nightclub are a "health hazard" for area residents who complain they're losing sleep and their sanity because of the constant ruckus, an Alcohol and Gaming Commission panel has heard.

And unrelenting noise problems at The Docks near Cherry St. could also have a serious impact on the redevelopment of the waterfront, city Councillor Pam McConnell warned.

That plan would see 10,000 new residents in the area over the next few years. Developers may think twice about investing in an area under siege by loud noise from speakers, patrons and disc jockeys, said McConnell (Ward 28, Toronto Centre-Rosedale). It could also scare away new business.

"I'm concerned about the physical and economic health of the area," she testified during the ninth day of the hearing.

The commission is to determine whether The Docks gets its liquor licence revoked, or renewed and extended to include a second storey.

McConnell wants "iron-clad" conditions imposed on operations at the club and its owners compelled to abide by the rules or lose their liquor licence.

"We can't allow one business to ... infect an area," the councillor said, adding the noise has made life miserable for area residents for almost a decade.

"This is way out of control."

Residents of the Toronto Islands have been the hardest hit by "excessive, overwhelming, invasive and abusive" noise.

It's affected them "mentally and physically," McConnell said. Referring to a letter written by a resident in 2003, she noted the woman was brought to tears in the wee hours because she couldn't sleep.

"I have reached my wit's end," another wrote to the city.

A report from the city's former medical officer of health says excessive exposure to noise could cause hearing loss and stress-related heart problems.

But residents aren't the only ones complaining. McConnell said a waterfront film studio was forced to shut down a production because of the noise.

McConnell said operators of The Docks have failed to comply with conditions imposed when the club was first licensed in 1996. One called for the club to provide a phone number so residents could file noise complaints with its operators. And they've flagrantly ignored the city's noise bylaw, she said.

The commission heard earlier that along with building code infractions, the club is facing two noise violations following an all-night event in April. Police laid two charges of overcrowding in February. Earlier this year, an appeal court ruled the club must pay $6,000 in fines for earlier noise violations.

McConnell isn't convinced club operators will clean up their act should their proposal to expand be approved.

Council recently adopted McConnell's motion to oppose any expansion at The Docks or renewal of its liquor licence because of the "past and present conduct" of its operators.

The councillor appealed to the panel to impose tough rules "with teeth." She added if club owners don't follow them and police themselves, The Docks should be shut down.

"Slaps on the wrist and small fines don't make a difference."

Among renewal conditions being considered is limiting patio capacity, restricting amplified entertainment and loud voices between 11 p.m. and 11 a.m. and ending outdoor alcohol service at midnight.

The hearing continues today.