Dumbarton sports clubs fear impact of new licensing law

Jul 10 2009 by Marc McLean, Lennox Herald (main ed)

SPORTS clubs throughout the area could go bust with the introduction of new licensing rules.

That is the worry for members of some bowling, golf and social clubs, who fear their profits will take a huge hit under the regulations set to be imposed on September 1.

The Scottish Government is ordering that the organisations must apply for an ‘occasional licence’ to hold functions – and this will be limited to 12 weekend licences per year.

Councils are also being asked to crack down further on the clubs, which Government officials say have been running like pubs – but without the same licensing controls.

The secretary of one Dumbarton club, who did not want named, said: “We rely on our functions to keep the club afloat because members’ fees can only pay for so much.

“These new regulations are worrying because our income will drop drastically and it could hit the club hard, possibly even forcing it to shut.”

Council lawyer Andrew Fraser recently tabled a report on the issue at the council’s licensing board committee.

It reads: “Across Scotland a significant number of clubs were essentially functioning as pubs, albeit outwith normal licensing control. It was evident that some clubs had functions on almost every weekend.

“The new act tries to introduce a level playing field between clubs and other premises. The new legislation gives clubs favoured treatment, but this is at the price that they require occasional licences when freely admitting members of the public, and the number of such licences is restricted.

“If particular clubs wish to freely admit members of the public on a more regular basis they need to apply for a normal premises licence, akin to that of a pub.”

It is understood several bowling clubs throughout the area have already applied for a normal premises licence, however only those with good facilities that meet all requirements will be granted one.

Also discussed at the licensing board meeting was the number of people that could be signed into functions at the clubs by members.

Government guidance stated this should be set at four and West Dunbartonshire Council approved that figure, however it is considered unworkable and will be reviewed.

Councillor Ronnie McColl, chairman of the licensing board, said: “It’s since transpired that only two licensing boards, East Lothian and ourselves, have approved that figure.

“We are looking into this further to get more information because the last thing I want, or anyone on the licensing board wants, is to put clubs in financial jeopardy.

“The clubs have all continued their applications and they will come before us again.”

The licensing board next meets on Wednesday, August 5.