Yahoo News Gwynedd rugby club's bid to sell alcohol approved despite objections
A rugby club's bid to sell booze, which had sparked anti-social behaviour fears, has been given the green light. Concerns over parking and traffic issues had also been raised after the Bala Rugby Club had applied for a premises licence.
The club had requested permission to sell alcoholic drinks during games at Maes y Gwyniad, Heol Tegid, throughout the rugby season, between September and May. There had been 14 objections from members of the public. Among the observations was "great concern that allowing the club to sell alcohol will create anti-social behaviour in the area."
Comments had also referred to "concern over disruption due to vehicles coming and going around the clock with customers coming and going from the club". Objectors had also stated that "parking problems already exist when activities are held at the club," and that there as "concern that this problem will increase if people stay there later."
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The club was also near to Llyn Tegid and a proposed railway line and there had been some concerns for "public safety if people walk home intoxicated". Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter.
However, North Wales Police had had no objections, noting that the club had previously sold alcohol on 'temporary events notices' (TENS) "without cause for concern". The fire service, the council's public protection team and the local councillor also had "no objections".
The town's community council also gave its support, but requested adding conditions, to limit times proposed. It had been concerned for the impact on residents of Glannau Tegid and Trem y Ffridd living close to the rugby club.
The rugby club had described a raft of measures to mitigate any potential issues, including keeping windows closed to reduce noise. It would also "deal immediately" with unsociable behaviour and operate a "Challenge 25, zero tolerance for drugs, threatening and criminal behaviour" policies, as well as carry out regular risk assessments.
It was recommended by council officers that the scheme be approved..
A Cyngor Gwynedd spokesperson said: "At a meeting of the Gwynedd Central Licensing Sub Committee on Monday (11 November, 2024), members accepted the recommendation and granted an application for a premises licence for Bala Rugby Club.
"The licence will allow the sale of alcohol during games throughout the rugby season between September and May, with it being used mainly over the weekend.”
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