A Solihull golf club has been granted a premises licence to sell alcohol to the public, marking a significant change in its operations. Olton Golf Club, located on Mirfield Road, successfully obtained the licence following a hearing before Solihull Council's licensing act panel earlier this month.
Background of the Licence
The club had held a 'Club Premises Certificate' since 2005, which only permitted licensable activities for club members and their bona fide guests. The new premises licence allows the venue to serve alcohol until 1am and remain open until 2am nightly.
Club Manager's Statement
David Holmes, general manager of Olton Golf Club, addressed the panel, emphasising that the club does not intend to become a general public venue but will restrict public sales to specific events. "Essentially the hours we've applied for are exactly the same as we have," he explained. "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."
Mr Holmes stressed that the club would not host 18th or 21st birthday 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. He also confirmed that weddings were not being considered, as they would conflict with members' golfing schedules on Saturdays.
Resident Objections
The panel heard from neighbour Ripon Miah, who objected to the proposed licence. In his written submission, Miah stated: "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's Questions
Panel member Councillor Kate Jones sought clarification on noise control measures, asking: "So when music is played doors and windows will be closed by 9pm?" Mr Holmes responded: "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."
Decision
The licensing panel deliberated in a private session following the meeting held on April 7 and ultimately decided to grant the premises licence. The decision allows Olton Golf Club to expand its services to the public for specific events, aiming to boost revenue during quieter months while addressing resident concerns through operational restrictions.
