Belfast football club granted permission for ‘bring your own booze' dinner at council venue

Elected representatives at a Belfast City Council committee meeting unanimously agreed to a request by East Belfast Football Club for the use of the Tommy Patton Bowling Pavilion at Tommy Patton Memorial Park, also known as Inverary Playing Fields, off Holywood Road in East Belfast.

They also approved a “zero-price booking” for the event, meaning the council waived the fee for the hire of the hall.

East Belfast Football Club, council officers explained at the meeting, had already told guests who have been invited that they may bring their own alcohol or other refreshments to the event, which is a supporter and volunteers dinner on Saturday September 26. Council officers said BYO was “contrary to council policy.”

Earlier this year, the club launched a legal challenge, represented by loyalist activist Jamie Bryson, against the Irish Football Association, challenging who has the legal power to run football leagues and organize tournaments in Northern Ireland.

On Friday at City Hall, DUP Councillor Sarah Bunting successfully proposed to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that the local authority should allow the request.

Alliance Councillor Jenna Maghie asked officials at the meeting: “Do we have any precedent, or is it normal for us to facilitate that kind of BYO event on our property?”

Alliance Councillor Michael Long said: “It is a reasonable question, considering the certain incidents that have been in my area before. I’ve never seen a bring-your-own policy before.”

City Solicitor Nora Largey said: “I am not aware of a precedent, but equally I am not sure if there is anything in the terms and conditions in relation to the use of the Pavilion that would ordinarily preclude the consumption of alcohol. Unfortunately it is not something I would have dealt with before.

“There are byelaws on the outside areas of parks but this is an internal area. I am not sure if there is restriction in relation to alcohol, though it is contrary to policy as the report says.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Tomás Ó’Néill asked if a proposal to grant a request for something that went against policy was “competent.”

Councillor Bunting said: “I know people’s concerns at incidents that happened in the past. The applicants for this have been on a journey, and there has been a change of some of the membership there.

“I know there are elected representatives who have been invited to this dinner. There are community members who have supported the club over the past year, and it is more of a thank you to them for their support.”

The council report on the request states: “A number of distinguished guests will be in attendance on the evening who have supported the club and its work. Anticipated numbers in attendance are around 50 people.

“The club has advised that there will be no alcohol sold, supplied or provided by East Belfast Football Club at the event.

"However, guests who have been invited have already been informed that they may bring their own alcohol or other refreshments should they wish to do so. This is contrary to council policy.

“Entertainment will be low-key. Local singer Kristine Robinson will provide live entertainment during part of the evening. There will also be a short presentation during which the club intends to hand out a small number of gifts as a gesture of appreciation.

“The evening is not being operated as a commercial or fundraising event. The entire cost of the dinner and entertainment is being met by East Belfast Football Club from funds that the club has raised. Nothing is being charged to those attending.”