Council gives green light for public bar at 130-year-old sports club despite objections
Golf club given permission to serve non-members at its bar
A village sports club can open its bar to non-members after being granted a new licence by the council.
Rawdon Golf, Lawn Tennis and Padel Club, which first opened in 1896, faced objections after applying to relax its admission rules.
Six people living nearby raised concerns over possible noise and unruly behaviour at the Buckstone Drive club.
The club’s premises certificate allows the serving of drinks to members and their guests.
Leeds City Council granted a full premises licence to open the club’s facilities and function rooms to the general public.
Club secretary Denise Bennett told a licensing hearing: “We believe a premises licence would be more robust and offer flexibility in how we operate.”
Objectors said there had been increased use of the club and more traffic since padel courts were installed.
David Harland, who has lived nearby for 45 years, said: “As residents we feel the golf club can continue successfully, as it does at the moment, with the present licence.”
One objection letter claimed there had been late night noise and men seen urinating against hedges.
Ms Bennett said she was upset to read that objection and the club had not received any such reports.
She said: “We are not that sort of place. We are proud of our club. Most people leave by car or taxi. Buckstone Drive is a public right of way.”
The licence was granted on condition that the club joins a Pubwatch scheme and provides a telephone number for neighbours to report concerns.
Other measures included no noise from the premises after 11pm, no drinking outside after 10pm and regular clearing of litter.