Olton Golf Club in Solihull has successfully obtained a premises licence that allows it to sell alcohol to the general public during specific events. Previously, the club operated under a ‘Club Premises Certificate’ dating back to 2005, which limited alcohol service to club members and their bona fide guests only.
The new licence, approved by Solihull Council’s Licensing Act Panel in a meeting earlier this month, permits the club to serve alcohol until 1am, with closing time set at 2am. However, the club’s general manager, David Holmes, emphasized that public access would be limited to designated occasions rather than open admission.
Holmes explained, “Our operating hours remain consistent with what we’ve had, and during summer we usually close by 10pm. The hospitality sector is facing challenges, so this licence offers us flexibility during quieter winter months to host events like wakes or birthday parties.”
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Importantly, the club reassured that it has no plans for hosting 18th or 21st birthday parties, as members would oppose events likely to generate disturbances or damage. Wedding events are also off the table since Saturdays are reserved for golf activities.
Local resident Ripon Miah raised concerns about potential noise disturbances, citing issues such as late-night arrivals, loud conversations outdoors, and vehicular noise. In response, Councillor Kate Jones inquired about noise management, questioning if doors and windows would be closed by 9pm during music events.
Holmes responded that loud music occurrences would be rare and noted that recent DJ events held outdoors, near the golf course, did not disrupt nearby residents. He remarked, “Even with open windows, the noise faces away from residential areas.”
After deliberations in a private session, the panel granted the licence on April 7, allowing Olton Golf Club to broaden its alcohol service scope responsibly while addressing community concerns.