Putt in the Park Want Late Licence in Gunnersbury Park


Some fear it could be 'Trojan Horse' for large events

The new pavilion and course are under construction. Picture: Putt in the Park

An application has been made by Putt in the Park Ltd for an alcohol licence at the former Bowls Green Pavilion in Gunnersbury Park.

It is requesting permission to serve alcohol seven days a week until 11pm at the new mini-golf facility it is planning to build at the site.

The licence requested would operate seven days a week from 8am to 11pm. These are also given by the applicant as the hours the premises would be open to the public. In the application form there is a section in which the applicant can specify seasonal variations in the supply of alcohol and this is left blank.

Putt in the Park says it will not sell cheap high strength beer and that all its staff are trained in the responsible sale of alcohol. It will operated the age verification scheme Challenge 21.

One local resident has pointed out that, even at the height of summer, the park closes at 10pm and much earlier than that in the winter months.

She said, “I know Gunnersbury Park is keen to run more events and I support that because they bring revenue in to maintain and improve this vital open space. However, there is some reason to be concerned that, were this application to be successful, that it could serve as a Trojan Horse for future events which could point out a precedent had been set for a late licence. Assurances need to be given that this wouldn’t lead to large scale events resulting in crowds of people leaving the area around midnight.”

The application also includes a copy of the plan for the café which shows six tables inside and a hatch way to serve customers outside.

Plan of new putting course at Gunnersbury Park. Picture: Putt in the Park
Plan of new putting course at Gunnersbury Park. Picture: Putt in the Park

On its web site Putt in the Park states that the facility will be opening in March of this year and the requested premises licence would come into effect on 1 March if granted.

Hounslow Council handle licensing applications for Gunnersbury Park. Comments on this application can be made to licensing@hounslow.gov.uk.

Putt in the Park and Gunnersbury Park have been contacted for comment.

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