Surveyor shortage causing licensing issues

A shortage of surveyors is causing mayhem as golf clubs struggle to submit licensing applications.

Clubs that fail to submit applications by the August deadline will be prohibited from selling alcohol or providing any form of entertainment.

"Not only are the application forms extremely complex," says Michael Shaw from the National Golf Clubs' Advisory Association (NGCAA), "they also require clubs to produce plans of their premises, even if they won't be changed in any way.

"Because all types of club - not just golf clubs - need to comply with the new licensing laws, surveyors across the UK have received a deluge of instructions to prepare plans. There simply aren't enough surveyors to meet demand at the moment.

"There is a very real likelihood that hundreds of clubs won't get their applications in on time. If this is the case, clubs will have to stop selling alcohol and providing entertainment in September. If they flout the law, they will face a fine and the very real possibility of jeopardizing their future license applications."

Shaw believes many clubs will submit incorrect or incomplete applications, while other clubs are burying their heads in the sand, hoping the whole issue fades away.

"Like it or not, the Licensing Act is here to stay and it has teeth. There is no way to avoid it. The clock is ticking and clubs need to act immediately. If they don't, they could find themselves out of business by this time next year," warns Shaw.

The NGCAA has produced a Licensing Help Pack that is free of charge to members and also negotiated a deal with a firm of surveyors to prioritise plans for golf clubs at a discounted rate.

For further information, contact Michael Shaw at the NGCAA on 01684 311353 or visit www.ngcaa.co.uk

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