Alverthorpe WMC gets new licence after backing from over 1,000 locals
“We have fought hard to save this club for the many, many members."
A club in Wakefield has been granted a new premises licence after around 1,000 residents signed a petition urging councillors to approve the proposals.
A licensing panel gave the go-ahead to Alverthorpe Working Men’s Club’s application to change its status to a public house.
Permission was granted for alcohol to be served on the premises from noon to 11pm, daily.
A hearing at Wakefield Town Hall was called after one resident resident lodged an objection to the proposal, raising concerns about children being allowed to remain on the premises after 9pm.
Michael Amos, speaking on behalf of the club, said: “We believe that Alverthorpe is a community club.
“We have fought hard to save this club for the many, many members.
“It’s a place where families can socialise in a safe and pleasant environment.
“We have community values.”
Mr Amos said West Yorkshire Police and council officers had been supportive of the application and described the resident’s objection as being “factually incorrect.”
He said: “We have never had a rule that families had to be out by 9pm.
“We have had letters from members who have testified that that has not been the case.
“Children are required to be supervised at all times.
Mr Amos said an online petition supporting the new licence had been signed by almost 1000 people.
He added: “The police are satisfied and support us with the operating schedule.
“We are working closely with them, we always have and we always will.
No one attended the hearing to speak against the application.
Paul Jacques, senior legal advisor for the council, said: “The committee is satisfied that there are no reasons not to grant this application.”