Six neighbours have objected to an application for a drinks licence for the Valley Social Club.
The club, in Whitehawk Way, has applied to Brighton and Hove City Council for a licence to sell alcohol on the premises only from 6pm to 11pm from Monday to Saturday and from noon to 6pm on Sundays.
Neither Sussex Police nor the council licensing team objected to the application which complies with a policy that allows private members clubs to operate until midnight.
Draft licence conditions agreed with Sussex Police before a licensing panel hearing scheduled for next Tuesday (22 September) would require security cameras and for children under 10 to leave the premises by 9pm.
The club said, in its application, that two members of staff would be on duty at all times when alcohol was on sale.
The objectors were worried about street drinking, anti-social behaviour, noise and parking.
One anonymous neighbour, whose details were redacted by the council, said: “The premises are located in a residential area surrounded by homes, families and children.
“We do not believe that a bar or night club-style venue operating until 11pm is appropriate for this residential neighbourhood.
“We are concerned about noise and disturbance from customers arriving and leaving the premises and gathering outside, particularly in the evening.
“We are also concerned about litter and possible anti-social behaviour.”
Another anonymous neighbour, whose details were also redacted, said that official police figures showed Whitehawk and Marina ward had a high crime rate.
The neighbour said: “Introducing daily late-night alcohol sales into a location with high existing crime metrics will inevitably worsen these issues.
“Alcohol lowers inhibitions and adding a seven-day supply right in the middle of a residential estate will fuel street drinking, aggressive altercations and public disorder right outside our front doors.”
Another objector raised concerns about drug dealing in Whitehawk Way and previous issues with violence at the centre.
The council previously considered buying the social centre for housing with new community facilities in 2019.
Whitehawk Valley Social Centre relaunched last year and hosts several popular activities including a boxing club and line dancing.
The application is due to go before a panel of three councillors at a hearing at 10am on Tuesday (22 September). The meeting is scheduled to be webcast.
Perhaps the reason for so much street drinking is the lack of licensed premises on the estate? Litter, anti-social behaviour, parking and noise are not related to the venue as they already occur. Previously there was a pretty well-run, community-based social club here. If the authorities thought this a bad idea, they would object. The concerns of the objectors can easily be addressed with licensing conditions if necessary.
It’s hardly all day drinking is it.
Families being together isn’t it, the Community of Whitehawk have waited Years to get this Club back-no idea what happened for it to close to be honest.
Everyone says there’s nothing to do on the Estate, this has to be its chance isn’t it.
Crew Club does stuff, so does Robert Lodge,
Why can’t we have a Community Place like the Bevy in Beavendean .
Surely not all can be taken away from everyone.