A GWYNEDD rugby club’s desire to sell booze has sparked concerns over anti-social behaviour, parking and traffic issues.
A premises licence application has been made to Cyngor Gwynedd by Bala Rugby Club.
The club wants to sell alcohol during games throughout the rugby season, between September and May, at the Maes y Gwyniad, Heol Tegid.
Fourteen objections had been received from the public including some from people living on nearby Glannau Tegid and Trem y Ffridd.
In the public observations, it reads: “There is great concern that allowing the club to sell alcohol will create anti-social behaviour in the area.”
There was also “concern over disruption due to vehicles coming and going around the clock and customers coming and going from the club”.
The objectors added: “Parking problems already exist when activities are held at the club.
“Concerns are that this problem will increase if people stay there later.”
Among other issues highlighted was that “the club is located close to Llyn Tegid and the proposed railway line, which raises concerns for public safety if people walk home intoxicated”.
Fears also included “an increase in cases of property vandalism adjacent to the club”.
However, North Wales Police had “no objections”.
In its observations noted in the report, it had stated: “This site has operated the sale of alcohol using a Temporary Events Notice on several occasions, without cause for concern.
“There is no incident of crime and disorder associated with this site therefore on behalf of North Wales Police, I am pleased to say that we do not have any objection. ”
The fire service, council’s public protection team and the local councillor also had no objections.
The community council had given its support – but with conditions relating to the permitted hours.
The community council said: “Some were concerned about the impact of the development on residents of Glannau Tegid and Trem y Ffridd, which are located close to the rugby club.
“The town council’s final decision was to support the application, subject to the modification of the permitted hours, and the council’s recommendation was that the hours should be limited to 1pm – 9pm.”
In response, the applicants had recommended measures, including “promoting responsible alcohol consumption” and making sure that “customers respectfully leave the premises”.
They would also “deal immediately with any unsociable behaviour,” and have a ‘”Challenge 25 policy” in place, operate a “zero tolerance for drug use and threatening and criminal behaviour”.
Risk assessments would also be “regularly completed and reviewed, including fire risk”.
They added: “Doors and windows would also be kept closed when possible to reduce noise.”
The council’s central licensing sub-committee will decide on the matter, when it meets on Monday, November 11. The recommendation was to grant the application.
