South Ayrshire councillors fear drunk patrons at golf simulator could use clubs as 'weapons'

Worried councillors have delayed a decision over licensing a new golf simulator venue over fears that the equipment could end up being used as weapons.

Golf X opened at the former Arthur Street Kitchen in Ayr earlier this year.

It features two simulator bays, using the same technology that professionals use to hone their game, along with a bar and restaurant.

But during a lengthy hearing, councillors aired their concerns about the golf clubs provided to customers being used inappropriately.

Councillors quizzed the applicant Scott Hannah and agent Robert Honeyman about the measures taken ensure the safety of customers and staff and how they would prevent people other than them having access to the golf clubs.

The board agreed that the operator would have to demonstrate how the clubs would be secured, how other patrons would be prevented from reaching the clubs, clearer demarcation of the floor between the seating area and that area where people would be swinging clubs.

South Ayrshire Licensing Standards Officer Catriona Andrews outlined the issues.

She said: “Internal layout changes and renovations have taken place to remove previous restaurant seating and dance area to allow for the installation of two golf simulator bays and three dart boards.”

It would mean that the venue would cater for both those using the golf and dart facilities along with people eating in the restaurant.

Ms Andrews told the board that she had expressed concerns to Mr Hannah, in particular the risks of leaving golf clubs unattended in a public area where they are easily accessible.

She pointed out that each simulator would require a set of clubs, rather than a single item of equipment.

She continued: “I did make my concerns known to Mr Hannah, and discussed potential concerns regarding the consumption of alcohol affecting judgement and, ultimately, the clubs being used as a weapon during a disagreement where alcohol was a factor.”

She told the board that Mr Hannah had even given an example of one patron grabbing a club and brandishing it in a threatening manner.

“That particular situation was defused, and the offender ejected,” she continued.

“But it gives an example of the potential mix of challenges faced when the focus of the premises changes at a certain time of day, from food customers to evening entertainment.

“Additionally, it should be noted that there is seating and tables provided within the area created for the golf simulator, and this means that patrons, including children and young people, could be sitting and standing in this area with alcohol whilst individuals are hitting balls.”

The applicant’s agent Robert Honeyman began by emphasising the decline of Ayr town centre.

He said: “This does bring a different type of facility into the town, but the purpose of that is to bring something unique into the town of Ayr, and to bring something that will attract patrons into the facility.

“And that will also attract patrons into the town, which, unfortunately, has been in sad decline for a number of years, just with the changing use and attitudes of people coming in to licensed premises.”

He said that the golf simulators were away from the main area and would be secured when not in use.

SNP councillor Laura Brennan Whitefield said: “It has already been alluded to that these golf clubs have been brandished in a threatening manner, so obviously that is an area of concern.

“I would like to see some sort of system where the golf clubs can be given out, and then returned.

“If you are in a state of inebriation, and tempers are running high, they could be used as a weapon.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a driver or a putter or it’s a weapon.”

Mr Honeyman replied that the golf clubs would be kept in the bays, which are cordoned off when not in use.

Cllr Brennan Whitefield then stated: “If they’re sitting out in the bays, they’re still accessible to the public.

“There’s nothing stopping someone going to get a golf club?”

Mr Honeyman replied that there was little that could be done, suggesting that would be the same situation should someone want to use a glass as a weapon.

He suggested that the clubs could be more secure if the bag could be fitted with a drop-down cover over the clubs or kept in a locker when not in use.

Labour councillor Duncan Townson said he was supportive of innovations such as the golf simulator, but concerned about the potential hazard.

He said: “What prevents someone who’s had a drink and decides that, in the moment, to try and show off, and wants to hit the golf ball at a different direction?”

Mr Honeyman replied: “Without being flippant, absolutely nothing, in the same way, nothing prevents them picking up a chair to launch across the premises.

“It’s unfortunately something that we can’t prevent.

“We can provide the facility. We can provide the supervision and we can encourage people to utilize it in a safe manner.”

The board agreed to continue to consider the application to allow the applicant to address the issues raised.