AT last we have the real reason why Richmond School is applying for a full alcohol licence (D&S Times, Jul 3). It is to turn a sports pavilion built originally to improve sporting facilities for the children of Richmond School and the local community into a club house for Richmond Football Club When initial plans for the building of the pavilion were submitted in 2013, the Headteacher, Ian Robertson, met local residents to explain how the pavilion would function. This would include having classrooms in the pavilion and also enhance the sports facilities for pupils and the community. There were at that time no objections from the local residents against building the pavilion, and at no time did Mr Robertson mention the possibility of applying for an alcohol licence – if he had, there would certainly have been objections made.

I have absolutely no problem with the school applying for temporary licences for prize giving nights etc. However a full licence would allow sale of alcohol from 9am until 11pm every day plus New Year’s Eve and Dday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day from 9am until 12.30 am. Surely this is not acceptable for a school.

Your article quoted Tony Potter, the leader of sport, leisure and community at the school who is applying for the licence on behalf of the school, as saying that alcohol would not be sold in school time. However, there was nothing said about selling alcohol to 11pm every day and if this licence is granted, the school will have the legal right to do so.

With regards to the sports pavilion, which is the real reason for this licence application, planning permission was granted by North Yorkshire County Council in 2013. In Clause 18 of the Application Form, it says: “Use class/Type of use: A4 Drinking establishment – Not Applicable.”

It also states the hours of opening as: “School use, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm; Community use, Monday to Friday 5pm to 9.30 pm, Saturdays 9.00am to 6pm.”

If a full alcohol licence were to be granted to Richmond School then surely a change of use for the pavilion would need to be applied for through the planning process, and some restrictions could be put on the times alcohol could be sold there.

Bruce Hunter, Richmond.