A RUGBY club has been granted permission to sell alcohol and play music until midnight at weekends after it offered a series of concessions to residents.


Several families living near Chingford Rugby Club in Waltham Way originally complained about the licence bid, amid concerns that  "drunken revellers" attending events there would keep them awake at night and cause fights.


But the objections were dropped after management agreed to employ a doorman and wardens to patrol the club's car park at night.


They have also promised to install CCTV, have quarterly meetings with residents to discuss any concerns and apologised for disturbance caused by previous events.


A council licensing panel approved the application at a meeting yesterday (Thursday October 11), however they rejected the club's bid to stay open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.


Licensing panel chair, Labour's Cllr Kieran Falconer, told the meeting: “We've agreed to grant your application.


“We're happy with that [but] we're not going to give you up until 1am, we feel midnight is plenty enough.


“Remember you can always apply for a variation [on the licence] after a year or so”.


He warned the club that the council could review its licence at any time if residents complained of further disturbance or problems.
 

The premises previously operated under a 'club' licence but management had to apply for a new type because they have begun renting out the site for occasional parties and weddings. 

The club has also recently expanded with the opening of a new extension last month in memory of former coach Gary Hollis.

Licence holder Daniel Michael told the Guardian after the meeting: "I do think the conditions we're putting in place will help stop any future disturbance.
 

"It is a bit disappointing not to have the licence until 1am, people do want to stay until then, but overall I'm happy."

Residents at the meeting said they were satisfied the changes would help reduce disturbance and praised council officer Brian Bowater for his work helping to reach a compromise between the two sides.

Bridget Stowermark, 68, of Valley Side, said: “I feel very relieved.

“I'm very happy  they've promised to control the car park, as that was a big issue.

“When people leave the club there's screaming, all sorts of noise and cars revving up, but hopefully these measures will help stop that.”