A COMMUNITY football club in Balsall Common is asking Solihull Council for an alcohol licence, despite objections from the parish council.
Berkswell Parish Council has lodged an objection to plans by Hornets FC to serve alcohol at weekends.
The football club runs teams for age groups from eight-years-old to 18 years. It intends to serve drinks from 5 to 11pm on Fridays and 11am – 11pm Saturday and Sundays.
Richard Wilson, clerk to the parish council, wrote to Solihull councillors to say: “It is not credible that serving alcohol is ancillary to football or cricket activities, it is a new venture.
“My council objects to the licence sought [because]… car parking on club grounds is not sufficient… local residents will be disturbed at night by those leaving a social club… and the proposal represents a public nuisance.”
In its submission to Solihull council’s licensing committee, Balsall and Berkswell football club said the hours of the license would be clearly displayed, and unaccompanied children would be barred from entering the clubhouse. All staff would comply with the club’s code of conduct.
Neighbour Margaret Waine said: “Most parents drive their children to matches and for some there will be a temptation to have a drink after a match before getting into their cars and driving children home.
“At present during matches parents and spectators become very rowdy and often irritated with each other when supporting their children. I suspect that when alcohol is also brought into the mix this behaviour would surely escalate.”
Solihull council will discuss the licensing decision on Thursday (November 28).
