Locals voice concerns over noise and disruption linked to a bowling club’s bid for an alcohol license.
Loud music bothered them a lot. They mentioned “ageing Status Quo.” The meeting paused sometimes as the club sought a certificate that would let them sell alcohol. Residents strongly opposed this.
They live across the road. They cited old complaints. The club now has a new place, part of a sports hub the city recently built at a cost of £15 million.
The club requires the license to sell alcohol there. They wanted sales until 1 AM, now they want midnight sales. Robert Wild, who lives nearby, said the club was a bad neighbor.
Wild said events were too loud, big, and disruptive. He thinks the club asks for too much and their hours are excessive. He noted a new building exists, another place holding events, Rockwater, that avoids disruption, while the club shifts from sports.
Ashley Daffin also lives near and represents other owners. He wants alcohol for members only, wanting assurances on this. Neighbors talked with Babble, also opened nearby, and do not want two bars near, objecting to music outside.
Daffin filed formal complaints and contacted the council team. The club ignored requests then and didn’t reduce the noise. He does not want to move out and music bothers him on Sundays.
Julie Tessler also lives there and worries about park events. She says the club shows no respect and asked for lower volume. She says rock bands are loud, even when you ask nicely.
She enjoys concerts a lot, but outdoor rock is too much. Windows closed are a must then, feeling it’s unfair to her. Tessler manages the grounds and sees people urinating there, facing abuse at one point, from people who left a club party.
The club’s agent, Nick Semper, a lawyer, spoke up next. He said things were the same, the club had the same deal before and said lately no gripes arose since the club moved in two months back.
He said no outdoor music exists, and rules don’t limit music then. The club started long ago, existing since 1896. About 700 members belong there, ranging from 13 to 95. The clubhouse fits 140 people, the club provided these details.
They said events stay inside, no one stands on the lawn then, only bowls players walk there, that point was made very clear. Semper stated a simple thing, a simple application exists.
The panel should rule on it now, past issues are not relevant. No noise complaints appear despite the neighbors voicing outrage then.
The police and city agreed and back the club’s application. The health team asked for rules, noise levels need monitoring, doors and windows shut tight, unless folks arrive or exit.
Deliveries happen at set hours while noise must not exit the site too. A manager’s number must exist so people must reach them directly. Semper said the club accepts one thing, a noise limiter is fine. The panel met to decide now and will announce it soon then.