Peppermint Grove Tennis Club seeking liquor licence from local shire to improve social events

Peppermint Grove Tennis Club could soon start selling alcohol to provide a better social experience for club members and increase its revenue.

The club has requested council approve a restricted liquor licence to consume and sell alcohol at the venue, which it leases from the local shire.

Located on the corner of Keane Street and Bay View Terrace, the clubhouse capacity has been estimated at 50, with a further 50 outside on the veranda and lawn.

Shire officers said in a report that approving the licence wouldn’t usually be an issue but because the club was positioned so close to residential properties, noise was a “main concern”.

Club president Peter Phillips and treasurer Melanie Love prepared a harm-minimisation submission for the shire late last month.

“The club is a modest, family-based sporting organisation with approximately 280 members drawn primarily from the local community. Its core purpose is the promotion of tennis participation, social play, and community engagement,” they wrote.

“The sale and supply of liquor is strictly ancillary to these purposes and will only occur during organised tennis activities and limited club social functions.”

The bar would close at 11pm from Monday to Wednesday, midnight from Thursday to Saturday and 9pm on Sundays.

To manage noise concerns, music would be restricted to a small speaker turned off at 10pm, bottle disposal would be avoided after 10pm and alcohol sales would be limited to organised club activities only.

Beer, wine and low-alcohol pre-mixed beverages would be available, with no spirits or takeaway alcohol.

Any patrons behaving irresponsibly may be refused service, removed from the premises or face disciplinary action under club rules. The club will maintain an incident register to record any issues and follow-up actions.

Mr Phillips and Ms Love also acknowledged the club’s position within a residential environment, and confirmed any neighbour complaints could be made in-person to a club staff member, or via written correspondence, to be reviewed at the next committee meeting.

Officers recommended councillors approve the liquor licence, to be decided at the September 22 meeting.