Church social membership blasted for ‘boozy drug-fuelled rowdy nights spilling into fights’

On Dec 10, 2024

A row has broken out in a Kent town over rowdy nights and allegations of drug-taking not at a pub but a church social club which has an alcohol licence allowing members to take drinks home

11:45, 10 Dec 2024Updated 11:45, 10 Dec 2024

Church bosses are thrilled . . . locals are not(Image: KMG / SWNS)

A storm is brewing in a Kent town over raucous evenings and claims of drug use at a church social club. The Herne Bay Catholic Social Club, with a history spanning nearly 65 years, has caused an uproar among locals after it sought permission to serve booze until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Neighbours are up in arms, fearing that the proposed two-hour extension will lead to more sleepless nights, as they already endure disturbances from the venue. Despite the complaints, the club managed to bag an extension to keep the drinks flowing until midnight, with bosses insisting they do their utmost to maintain order, pointing the finger at other venues for any ruckus outside.

They’ve also scored a takeaway alcohol licence, so punters can now stroll out with their pints. Club secretary Louise Quigley, 40, couldn’t be happier, saying: “It’s really good news for us.”

Click for more of the latest news from across the world from the Daily Star.

She added: “The club is for Herne Bay and it’s a community, members’ social club.” But not everyone’s toasting to the club’s success – at least 10 residents lodged formal protests against the proposal.

The activities have angered many residents(Image: KMG / SWNS)

Among the disgruntled is Pat Irwin, who lives just across from the hotspot and made her displeasure heard at a Canterbury City Council (CCC) licensing hearing on Wednesday, even playing a clip of Michael Jackson’s ‘Billy Jean’.

She said: “It’s booming noise even with your windows shut, often coming from inside the building from the club, which sits snug next to the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart church.

“I’m here to ask if the Catholic Club are able to consider the closeness of neighbours. When I bought my flat over three years ago I knew it was there, but I did not expect to not be able to hear my TV over the noise with my windows shut – and I am not deaf

“Large loudspeakers have often been played outside. It’s booming noise even with your windows shut, often coming from inside the building. You are being asked to allow freedom for the club to have as many events as they wish.”

Her plea to the authorities was straightforward: “I ask you to consider very carefully before allowing these changes to the current licence.”.

Everyone’s welcome, apparently(Image: KMG / SWNS)

David Clough was another neighbour who submitted a written objection.

He wrote: “There is vomiting and urination in the street by members and noise nuisance, usually from drunk females crying and screaming about their boyfriend.

“Car doors slamming as members are collected by mini cabs, fighting and arguments are also heard.”

Mr Clough also alleged that drug taking occurs on the premises, but police expressed no concerns with the application.

A representative on behalf of the club, Michael Kheng, spoke at the meeting. He highlighted that 70% of the club’s 600 members are over 45, and said: “The premises has received no complaints from the council or police. The club has operated with no problems under the current certificate for 19 years.”

Speaking on the takeaway alcohol licence, he explained: “This is to enable members to take home unfinished bottles of wine and purely that. It is not intended for an off-licence. It’s purely if they do not finish drinks, want to have a drink on the way home or take wine back home to have with supper.”

After deliberating, councillors Mike Bland, Harry McKenzie and Naomi Smith granted a variation of the existing licence, allowing the club to serve alcohol and play music until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Article continues below

Opening times were also extended from 11.30pm to 12.30pm, while drinking in the garden is now permitted until 10pm. The club will serve alcohol until 11pm on all other days of the week.

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.