A heated dispute has broken out in an England town over rowdy nights and allegations of drug-taking — at a church social club.
Herne Bay Catholic Social Club in Kent, United Kingdom which was formed almost 65 years ago, sparked a backlash from neighbors after submitting a bid to serve alcohol until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Residents feared the extra two hours would give them sleepless nights, complaining their lives were already being made a misery by bad behavior at the venue.
But the club has managed to secure an extension until midnight after bosses argued it goes to great lengths to keep the peace and that any trouble outside originates from other establishments.
It has also been given permission for a takeaway alcohol license – allowing customers to leave the premises with drinks bought at the bar.
Club secretary Lousie Quigley, 40, said: “It’s really good news for us.
“The club is for Herne Bay and it’s a community, members’ social club.”
But not everyone will be happy to see the club open later – including the 10 local residents who made official objections to the bid.
Among them was Pat Irwin, who lives opposite the venue and spoke out against the application at a Canterbury City Council (CCC) licensing hearing on Wednesday.
She began her representation by playing a recording of the Michael Jackson song Billy Jean “Booming” from the club, which is next to the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart church.
The resident said: “I’m here to ask if the Catholic Club are able to consider the closeness of neighbors
“When I bought my flat over three years ago I knew it was there, but I did not expect to not be able to hear my TV over the noise with my windows shut – and I am not deaf.
“Large loudspeakers have often been played outside.
“It’s booming noise even with your windows shut, often coming from inside the building.
“You are being asked to allow freedom for the club to have as many events as they wish.
“Can you imagine the detrimental effect this would have on the neighborhood?”
Irwin further stated “Unruly and loud behavior is a frequent occurrence” and loud music disrupts her life.
“I ask you to consider very carefully before allowing these changes to the current license,” she added.
David Clough was another neighbor who submitted a written objection.
He wrote: “There is vomiting and urination in the street by members and noise nuisance, usually from drunk females crying and screaming about their boyfriend.
“Car doors slamming as members are collected by mini cabs, fighting, and arguments are also heard.”
Mr Clough also alleged that drug taking occurs on the premises, but police expressed no concerns with the application.
Most of those against the bid said they had complained to CCC and Kent Police.
A representative on behalf of the club, Michael Kheng, spoke at the meeting.
He highlighted that 70 percent of the club’s 600 members are over 45, adding: “The premises has received no complaints from the council or police.
“The club has operated with no problems under the current certificate for 19 years.”
In relation to the takeaway alcohol license, he said: “This is to enable members to take home unfinished bottles of wine and purely that.
“It is not intended for an off-license. It’s purely if they do not finish drinks, want to have a drink on the way home, or take wine back home to have with supper.”
After deliberating, councilors Mike Bland, Harry McKenzie, and Naomi Smith granted a variation of the existing license, allowing the club to serve alcohol and play music until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Opening times were also extended from 11:30 pm to 12:30 pm while drinking in the garden is now permitted until 10 pm. The club will serve alcohol until 11 pm on all other days of the week.
Quigley, who was supported at the meeting by club officials, including church deacon Barry Walker, said: “We do try to keep the noise down.
“When we do have outdoor events – which tend to be in the summer – we send out leaflets and information to neighbors to make sure that they’re aware.
“Hopefully we can work with the neighbors and residents in the near future and keep sending out communications.”
In response to reports of drunken behavior, she added: “We’re on a walkway from many other public establishments in Herne Bay.
“So a lot of the clientele wouldn’t come from our establishment.
“It’s more of a family-friendly community club.”
