Brandon church hall to sell alcohol after concerns allayed

The hall is situated half a mile (800m) from St Peter's Church

A church hall has had its request to sell alcohol at wakes and other gatherings granted after concerns about drunkenness were allayed.

St Peter's Church Institute in Brandon, Suffolk, applied for a licence to open a bar at events and during hall hire.

It prompted concern that it could lead to anti-social behaviour.

West Suffolk Council agreed the licence with conditions, including noise management, the protection of children from harm and ensuring public safety.

Letters of objection had raised concerns about parking, potentially encouraging drink-driving, and worries about drunk and disorderly behaviour.

Rev Dennis Coburn, assistant priest at the church, told the licensing and regulatory sub-committee on Wednesday that the criticisms amounted to "nothing more than vilification".

He said the licence would allow the church to better monitor the consumption of alcohol.

"Our intentions have always been to provide our parish with a space to come together and encourage more community engagement while raising vital funds to continue our Christian mission," he added.

"Money raised through these events will be used to fund our work within the community and ensure we can support all those in need.

"We fully appreciate concerns over noise and would like to assure local residents we take this added responsibility very seriously."