GB10 Sports Club in Eltham has applied to extend its opening hours and alcohol sales times, following a police investigation into a stabbing at the venue in April. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that staff acted responsibly and found no failings in the club's management in response to the incident, which occurred during a private party.
Application details and current hours
The club, located at Footscray Playing Fields and home to AFC Greenwich Borough, has submitted a premises licence application to Greenwich Council. It proposes to open from 11am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday, and from 11am to 12.30am on Friday and Saturday nights. Currently, the venue operates from noon to 11.30pm every day.
In addition, GB10 wants to extend the hours during which it can sell alcohol. At present, drinks can be sold between noon and 11pm. The new application seeks permission to serve alcohol from 11am to 11pm on weekdays, and from 11am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Neighbour objections and agreed conditions
Greenwich Council's Licensing Sub-Committee C will consider the application on Tuesday, August 25. Nine neighbours have objected, citing concerns about late-night noise. To address these, the club has agreed to two conditions suggested by the council's community protection team: no more than ten customers may be in the external smoking area after 9pm, and all windows and external doors must remain closed after 9pm.
Last summer, GB10 received a warning after Greenwich Council received several complaints about late-night noise on July 11. Concerns were also raised about the club advertising 50% off drinks two hours prior to Women's Euros matches, which council officers felt might encourage "irresponsible consumption".
Previous complaints and recent record
Another complaint was received on August 22, with a resident stating: "The music being played is extremely loud, with heavy bass vibrations that can be heard clearly in every room of my home. This has repeatedly disturbed my family, including my two children (aged three and one), who have been woken multiple times due to the intensity of the noise. The disruption is not only distressing, but also unacceptable in a residential area."
However, according to the report, GB10 has received no noise complaints regarding its licensed activities since then. The stabbing in April was fully investigated by police, who confirmed the club acted responsibly.
Renovation plans and future impact
In a separate development, Greenwich Council approved GB10's planning application for a complete renovation of the sports and event complex last December. The proposal includes two 11-a-side floodlit AstroTurf pitches, five grass pitches of various sizes, six floodlit padel courts, a children's play area, a car park, and a new clubhouse to replace the former one that burned down in 2004.
The licensing decision on August 25 will determine whether the extended hours and alcohol sales are permitted, with conditions in place to mitigate noise concerns for nearby residents.
