Licence overkill, says club

‘In a way, a licence is way more than we need, but because of the Liquor Act it’s either ‘all in’ or ‘all out’,’ North Cottesloe SLSC president Chris Shellabear said.

Last year, Cottesloe Council gave its approval for a liquor licence at the Marine Parade surf club, 100m from the Ocean Beach Hotel that is a source of residents’ ire about drunks, noise and public urinating.

Public comment for the club’s application to the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor in April caused 11 neighbours to complain about noise from potential midnight functions six days a week, dispersing drunks, possible parking congestion and mixing sport and alcohol.

‘It will be like living next to The Big Day Out concert every day,’ Hamersley Street resident Laurie Fulman said.

Marine Parade resident Will Bolden (18) said he found a man dressed as hamburger mascot Ronald McDonald in his laneway ‘covered in his own sick’ after a recent surf function. Recent extensions at the club also sparked residents’ fears of more functions, but Mr Shellabear said the improvements had reduced the area used for events that had included wine tasting and a lunch by TV chef Maggie Beer, and the new buildings’ acoustics would be tested.

‘I’ve got people saying we’re going to run a nightclub for 364 days a year, and I have to remind them we’re a surf lifesaving club and that’s just not going to happen,’ Mr Shellabear said. He said the club’s drinking rules policed mixing sport and alcohol. Only club sponsors could host functions.