A bowls club has been granted a new club premises certificate, permitting the sale of alcohol, despite strong objections from some neighbours.
Hove and Kingsway Bowling Club applied for the certificate for its new base at the outdoor sports hub building at Hove Beach Park – part of a £15 million makeover of the seafront.
At a virtual licensing panel hearing on Monday 10 February, neighbours from flats opposite the club complained about noise and nuisance and what they said was a lack of action in response to complaints about the old venue.
Eleven representations were submitted before the hearing from neighbours and the freeholder of Fairlawns.
Neither Sussex Police nor Brighton and Hove City Council licensing team objected to the application because it complied with licensing policy.
Initially, the club applied to sell drink from 11am to 1am from Monday to Saturday but revised its application to end drink sales at midnight.
The licensing panel that granted the application was made up of three councillors – David McGregor, Ivan Lyons and Alison Thomson.
The council decision letter said: “It (the panel) has taken into full consideration the concerns raised by the residents which it appreciates are strongly felt.
“It is clear that there were concerns about the activities of the club under the previous certificate and that there has been a breakdown in relations between residents and the club.
“However, this application must be considered on its merits.
“A key factor is that there will be no music played outside and there are robust agreed conditions around noise, in particular, that no noise or vibration shall emanate from the premises that gives rise to a nuisance.
“The hours have also been reduced from those originally applied for and the applicant has met all the requirements of the responsible authorities.”
Neighbours were given assurances that events would not spill outside on to the bowling greens, not least because it was not acceptable to stand or walk on the lawn when not playing.
Hove and Kingsway Bowling Club has existed in various forms since 1896 and has about 700 members aged 13 to 95, with an average of 65. The clubhouse holds 140 people.
The neighbours have 21 days to appeal against the decision.
Common sense 1
Nimby’s 0
Perhaps ‘angry neighbours’ may now reflect that shouting people down at licensing hearings is a childish and ineffective strategy
I agree. People should use their words. Throwing a tantrum is what I expect a young child who didn’t know any better to do.
This is an an absolute disgrace and shame and about time the council had a full investigation into this type of thing.
Well away from residents, a new complex which is great for the area. Stop moaning or move.
Investigate what type of thing?
The club made an application for a licence, it was processed and the licensing officers report, police observations and objections were considered by a licensing panel made up of three elected and specially trained councillors.
The hearing was open to members of the public – some of whom tried to disrupt the proceedings. And that was reported on this very website.
If you think the council made an error in the decision making process then apply for a judicial review. But that’s not cheap and “I / we don’t like it” isn’t grounds for appeal anyway.
Excellent news for all those connected with the Hove and Kingsway bowls club.
Its not venues that cause trouble its the 24hr corner shops selling alcohol. This venue is well away from residents. I live next to a pub in Hove that does live entertainment, we had a new resident that complained. I say to the new resident MOVE. I also hope the new meeting place cafe gets a alcohol license.
BAN the neighbours.
I’m sure the 75+ year olds are very rowdy and cause a lot of trouble after a couple of pints and a sherry after a Saturday afternoon bowls session…. I used to work there many years ago and there was never any trouble in that place, even when they had birthday parties ect, was always very civil. What is wrong with people now? Don’t they want the older generation to have an active social life ( and yes I know some young people play too)