Brandon church's alcohol bid prompts drink-driving concern

The hall hosts a toddler group and a community lunch, as well as being available for private hire

A church hall's bid to serve alcohol at wakes and fetes has been deemed "highly irresponsible" with fears of "drunk and disorderly behaviour".

St Peter's Church Institute in Brandon, Suffolk, wants to create a small bar in a room off the hall's kitchen.

In an application to the local council, Canon Sharron Coburn said it would use the bar at funeral parties, as well as for private hire.

A councillor said it "potentially encouraged drunk driving".

Canon Coburn's application said the bar's requested hours were 10:00 to 23:00, and until 00:30 on New Year's Day, but it was unlikely to be open all day.

'Pimm's at a fete'

"At present, we would mainly use the bar early in the day for wakes and funeral parties to gather," she stated.

"During the day, it may be such things as Pimm's at a fete, or a wine-tasting afternoon, or afternoon cream tea."

She also suggested the bar could be used during fundraising activities such as a quiz night and pop-up cinema evenings.

Alcohol could be sold when other groups hired the hall for functions and family celebrations, she added.

St Peter's Church, on Church Road, is 0.5 miles (0.8km) from the hall

All staff would receive training on the sale of alcohol, particularly with regard to "drunkenness and underage persons", the application added, with customers asked to consider neighbours and leave quietly.

Canon Coburn said the hall's CCTV had helped "secure a conviction of two men committing theft" so was "up to police standard".

'Elevated circles'

Independent councillor Jools Savage, whose ward includes the hall in Victoria Avenue, said she had received numerous comments and complaints.

"It somewhat surprises myself and others that the local vicar is encouraging the consumption of alcohol on church premises, and indeed those who move in elevated circles are condoning this," she said.

"It beggars the question of conscience regarding making a profit from the sale of alcohol, and potentially encouraging drunk driving."

One objecting resident said the application was "highly irresponsible" due to poor parking and access, and any noise would have an adverse affect on property prices.

Noise from the hall would cause "distress and alarm" to elderly residents and families with young children, stated a letter from another resident.

The application is due to be heard by West Suffolk Council's licensing and regulatory sub-committee on Wednesday.