Where to turn to next? (reg. Working Mens Club)

u1bd2005

Ok, I'm posting this on behalf of my dad (he couldn't use a computer if his life depended on it lol.)

Basically theres ongoing problems in our local working mens club since the new committee came in.

If any of their family/friends want to book the main room for parties etc... the new committee are forcing the elderly people to move into the lounge room to play games such as bingo, cards and dominoes etc...

The seating in the lounge area isn't made for this as it's aimed as a place just to relax. the tables are too small for the number of people sat around them, people cant get their knees under the tables easily etc... and its making various peoples backs hurt trying to play in these conditions.

Whereas the main room was perfect for them.

various people have raised issues with the committee but were given similar responses of "its our club, we'll run it how we wish"

My dad has also been on the phone to HSE (Health and Safety Executive) who told him they couldn't do anything and recommended phoning the local council.

The council told him they couldn't do anything either and to try CIU (Club and Institute Union) but they also say they are not permitted to interfere with the running of the club.

I was just wondering if anyone knows who to turn to next?

Thanks

jimbms

The club needs to make money, it does this by various functions as well as normal customers, they can take the night off from dominos and try talking or go to another bar, it's a business not a charity.

Weirdlittleman

u1bd2005 wrote: »

Ok, I'm posting this on behalf of my dad (he couldn't use a computer if his life depended on it lol.)

Basically theres ongoing problems in our local working mens club since the new committee came in.

If any of their family/friends want to book the main room for parties etc... the new committee are forcing the elderly people to move into the lounge room to play games such as bingo, cards and dominoes etc...

The seating in the lounge area isn't made for this as it's aimed as a place just to relax. the tables are too small for the number of people sat around them, people cant get their knees under the tables easily etc... and its making various peoples backs hurt trying to play in these conditions.

Whereas the main room was perfect for them.

various people have raised issues with the committee but were given similar responses of "its our club, we'll run it how we wish"

My dad has also been on the phone to HSE (Health and Safety Executive) who told him they couldn't do anything and recommended phoning the local council.

The council told him they couldn't do anything either and to try CIU (Club and Institute Union) but they also say they are not permitted to interfere with the running of the club.

I was just wondering if anyone knows who to turn to next?

Thanks

The committee will no doubt have a grievance procedure for members to invoke if they so wish.

Whether they win or not would depend on the democratic process involved.

Not to be insensitive though I very much doubt the feelings of a few OAPS who probably dont bring in much cash are going to win out over that of the committee etc who are tasked with running the club.

Party - Rental, lots of alchohol, DJ fee, Catering fee etc
Bingo/Dominos - about 4 people buying 5 or so drinks maximum each.

Its a business decision I am afraid.

DVardysShadow

Well, vote the committee out, then.

Or work with them to get more suitable furniture. Invoking HSE and the council appears like being totally clueless as to how to resolve the situation - this is for the people involved to resolve, not external agencies.

KeithP

DVardysShadow wrote: »

Well, vote the committee out, then.

Yes, change from within.

Stand for election to the committee at the next AGM.
Get the domino players to stand too.

Oopsadaisy

Take it through the internal procedure, and then vote with your feet.

Some might say : Good move, stop the club raising funds and then when it's bankrupt you'll be able to have the place all to yourself.