CRONULLA RSL Memorial Club has applied to extend its trading hours to 3am after it was found to be in breach of development approval.
The noise generated by the club, particularly since last year's $7 million upgrade, has upset some residents, who want Sutherland Shire Council to reject the application.
In 2008, the council gave approval for the club to remain open up till 10.30pm-11pm Monday to Thursday, 12.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 11pm on Sunday.
At the time of the upgrade, the operation of the new outdoor area was restricted to midnight.
A resident, Stephen Worthington, informed the council last month the club was operating well beyond its approved hours.
Mr Worthington, who lives in an apartment block diagonally opposite the club, said noise was a problem.
‘‘It’s not just from inside the club, but, after closing time, a lot of people linger outside,’’ he said.
‘‘Winter is not so bad, but during the summer months, it can be really loud.
‘‘On weekends at night, I have to close the balcony door to hear the TV.’’
Mr Worthington said the club should be fined for breaching its approved hours.
‘‘The council is quick to fine small businesses, such as a little pizza shop that used to be opposite the club,’’ he said.
‘‘Let’s see what they do in this situation.’’
In reply, the council told Mr Worthington it had not received an application by the club to modify its hours, and was unaware of any such move.
The council's general manager John Rayner later wrote to him, saying a compliance officer had visited the club and confirmed his complaint.
Mr Rayner said senior management had advised the club had operated on three weekends beyond the council-approved hours, although it had 24-hour, seven-days-a-week approval from the Casino, Liquor and Gaming Control Authority.
‘‘It has been brought to the club’s attention that council conditions of consent override the liquor licence,’’ Mr Rayner wrote.
The club then lodged an application with council to extend opening hours until 3am, with submissions from the public to close Thursday, October 23.
A council spokeswoman said, as soon as it became aware of the breach, the club was notified, and had since complied.
‘‘Council has received a small number of complaints regarding noise from the trading of the club and is working with the club management to address any concerns,’’ she said.
Chief executive John Waters said no comment would be made while the application was being assessed.
Should the extended trading hours application be approved?
