Three members’ clubs have been prosecuted by Trading Standards for selling alcohol to non-members.
Beechgrove Social Club, of The Square, Penpedairheol, Caerphilly Conservative Club of Bartlett Street, Caerphilly and Ystrad Mynach Non Political Social Club and Institute Limited of Bedwlwyn Road, Ystrad Mynach, were each fined £1,000 by magistrates last month for breaching the Licensing Act 2003.
The three clubs were also ordered to each pay prosecution costs of £400 and a victim surcharge of £100 when the case was heard at Newport Magistrates’ Court on Friday, October 21.
At the time of the offences, the clubs held a club premises certificate which only allowed them to sell alcohol to members.
Following complaints from licensed premises, which felt the clubs were gaining an unfair advantage by effectively operating as pubs, Caerphilly Trading Standards and Gwent Police wrote to the clubs.
In September last year a joint operation involving Trading Standards and Gwent Police was carried out, during which plain-clothed officers visited a number of clubs – including the three clubs prosecuted – and were sold alcohol.
Following this operation, the clubs admitted to the offences and were issued with cautions, with Trading Standards and Gwent Police continuing to advise the clubs. The exercise was repeated in March this year and once again the three clubs sold alcohol to non-members.
Cllr Nigel George, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Public Protection, said: “It’s unfortunate that despite extensive support from both our Trading Standards team and Gwent Police, these clubs continued to flout the law.
“I would strongly encourage other clubs across our county borough to be mindful that our team are here and available to offer advice and support. There are relatively simple measures that can be taken to ensure clubs both operate within the law and help their businesses to thrive.”
PC Adam Lang said: “Premises holding club certificates are only permitted to serve alcohol to members of that club or bona fide guests. It is unfair for them to operate as regular pubs and serve non-members whilst holding only a club certificate. I hope the action taken by Gwent Police and Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards Department encourages other club premises to operate appropriately and in accordance with their certificates.”