Burley Conservative Club’s licence approved, with conditions on outside drinking

Burley Conservative Club’s application to allow members of the public – as well as club members – to use the club’ facilities has been approved by councillors.

The application to replace the club’s existing premises certificate was considered by members of the licensing sub committee at Leeds Civic Hall.

Their decision will allow the club to change the way it operates and allow members of the public (in addition to club members, associate members and their guests) to use the facilities without the need to apply for Temporary Event Notices.

The application had attracted one objection from a nearby resident, on the grounds of noise and public nuisance. A video had captured drinking, shouting and singing from an area outside the club, on Bankfield Gardens.

The objector told the meeting that he did not want the club to shut down but did not want the residents to be subjected to noise while its patrons were using the outside area. 

Paul Owen, representing Burley Conservative Club, said committee members felt that the video wasn’t representative of how the club operates and had been unaware of any problems. He also said the club has a premises certificate and committee members were surprised when they learnt that they were in breach of their licence by allowing drinking outside.

Mr Owen said the club had acted as good citizens and had a good track record, but recognised that outside drinking had caused noise and had put measures in place to reduce it. He stressed that the club did not open until 3pm.

Councillors approved the premises licence as requested, but added additional conditions to ensure the external area is not used for the consumption of alcohol, other drinks and food beyond 10pm.

They also said the external area should be used in a manner which does not cause disturbance to nearby residents and businesses and that all empty glasses and glass receptacles should be cleared from external areas regularly throughout the day.

The existing club premises certificate authorises the supply of alcohol Sunday to Thursday, from 9am to midnight, and Friday and Saturday 9am to 1pm. The application did not seek to extend the hours of opening or entertainment.

The agenda and council reports can be viewed in full here.