Objections against Sunday drinking at Stornoway Golf Club 13/5/10
Four objections have been lodged against Stornoway Golf Club bid to sell alcohol during Sundays.
The body is applying to serve drinks in the club as well as off-
The club is anxious to separate the operating the club house for meals and TV sports events on Sundays from the controversial issue of playing the course on the same day.
It is applying for permission to sell alcohol between noon and 11pm in its bar. Carryout sales would be from 12.30pm to 10pm.
The issue will be debated by the local licensing board on Monday afternoon.
Murdo Murray, who stood as an independent candidate objected because “it will inevitablly increase the pressure for opening the golf course on Sunday as members will argue that they can drink alcohol at the club but not play golf.”
He added that it also presented temptation to people enjoying a walk in the Castle Grounds on a Sunday afternoon and that there is more than sufficient licensed premises opened on Sundays in Stornoway.
The Free Church Continuing is concerned it would encourage “victims of alcoholism”
to buy a carryout and drink it in the surrounding tree-
The church points out the social effects of alcohol in the community and its role in criminal offences.
For years the club had permission to sell alcohol on Sundays. It was one of the first premises in Stornoway to get a late licence to run its bar for dances until 1am on Sunday mornings. But it never had permission to serve drink during Sunday daytime hours.
The club committee has previously been refused permission from landlords the Stornoway Trust to tee off on the Sabbath. Two years ago club members wanted to invoke a clause in its lease which allowed for arbitration over the dispute.