Solihull golf club granted new public licence to serve alcohol
Olton Golf Club(Image: Google Maps)
A Solihull golf club has been granted a premises licence to be able to sell to the public.
As the Local Democracy Reporting Service previously reported Olton Golf Club’s bid for a new licence was heard at a special meeting of Solihull Council ’s licensing act panel earlier this month.
Councillors heard the Mirfield Road-based club had a ‘Club Premises Certificate’ since 2005 which only entitles club members and their “bona fide guests” to licensable activities.
READ MORE: Chelmsley Wood shop is allowed to sell alcohol for longer despite objection from health official
We are now on WhatsApp. Join our dedicated community here
The club applied for a premises licence allowing them to serve until 1am and with the venue closing at 2am nightly.
At the meeting David Holmes, general manager of the club, told the panel the club wasn’t looking to be a place the public came in at any time – it being just for “specific events”.
“Essentially the hours we’ve applied for are exactly the same as we have,” he said.
“In the summer we are only open until 10pm anyway.
“The hospitality industry is finding things tough at the moment.
“We are looking at any ways we can to help through the quieter winter months when the club is not so busy hosting things like wakes, birthday parties.”
The manager stressed the club was not planning on holding 18th or 21st parties.
“Our members would not be happy if we were hiring the venue for parties with potential to cause damage or mess,” he told the panel.
And he said weddings weren’t being considered as those were regularly held on Saturdays and would clash with when members wanted to play golf.
Licensing Act Panel meeting on Olton Golf Clubs licence(Image: Sam Greenway LDR)
The panel heard neighbour Ripon Miah had objected to the proposed licence writing: “Even where activities are described as ‘indoors’ disturbance cannot be contained.
“The following are inevitable: patrons arriving and leaving late at night, loud conversations outside the premises, car doors slamming and engines running.
“Residents already experience disturbance associated with the golf club.
“This application should be refused outright.”
Panel member Councillor Kate Jones asked: “So when music is played doors and windows will be closed by 9pm?”
Mr Holmes replied: “I don’t think there would be many occasions where there would be music being played at high volume.
“Last Saturday we had a DJ, in the car park you couldn’t hear anything.
“Even if windows are open they are out towards the golf course, facing away from the residents.”
The panel made their decision to grant the licence in a private session after the meeting held on April 7.