Please give Conwy Royal British Legion a second chance

Dec 23 2009

AS A member and former committee member of the Conwy Royal British Legion one can only be saddened by the recent reports in the press in reference to its drinks and entertainment licence being withdrawn.

What happened on that night and the behaviour of those youngsters was and is totally unacceptable.

Regretfully the club should never have allowed this party to have taken place.

In defence of the club and its committee, it provided enough staff to deal with the event under normal circumstances.

Regrettably these were not normal circumstances. There were five personnel who staffed the bar and three experienced doormen. The bar in the entertainments lounge opened at 8pm and because of the trouble that arose it was decided to close it at 9pm.

No under age individual was served any alcoholic drink at any time.

The youngsters objected to this and decided to make a boisterous protest by sitting down in the centre of the room. A group of these youngsters were already infused with unknown substances prior to arriving which resulted in this unacceptable behaviour.

So it was decided to call in the police to assist with this eventuality. As a member of 45 years along with others we acknowledge the mistake that has been made here and apologise most genuinely but this one mistake should not be allowed to be the death knell for this long standing institution.

For years now the entertainment that has been arranged by the club has provided great sentimental and wistful memories. Male voice choirs, comedians and pop groups have performed there.

This entertainment would cause the walls to almost burst with song and dance without complaint or protest . Sadly in the last few years there has been a persistent protestation and campaign to whatever this institution has tried to present.

To the best of my knowledge there are only two objectors. The members of this club along with its officials will learn from this and make sure it never happens again and should I feel be afforded a second chance.

To close this club down would be harmful and damaging not only for it's members but to the community itself.  It would not only create job losses, but allow another property to become empty and derelict in a community that already has a declining outlet business.

I would like, through your paper, to ask Conwy County Council's licensing committee along with our local councilors to re-evaluate it's decision and afford this great institution a second chance.

Gerard Tobin

Conwy