Bar levy/card

[Jaco]

I joined a nine hole course six months back, which I really like but which doesn't have a bar. It used to, but they converted it into something else some time back. It's a shame because a couple of pints is essential when I play with mates, and fortunately there's a pub 2 minutes drive away.
When I look at the main clubs in my area, they all seem to have a bar levy of about £50 on top of their membership fee. I take it that this is just a pre-paid credit? What's the point, is it because people don't use the bar these days? Seems crazy to me that people wouldn't, as long as it's inviting of course.

 

[TreeSeeker]

My personal view on this is its to make money, if you give credit for the bar in the membership chances are its not fully funded (ie you're getting £50 of credit for say £30 of your membership cost) that means you go and use your £50. £50 is enough that you'll get used to going there, and potential develop a habit such that you go more in the future to use the restaurant / bar. Or perhaps the sales line of its to encourage participation in the social side of golf is actually true. Either way i'd gonna be spending more than £50 over the year there so its as makes no difference to me.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

We use to have it but research found it was off putting to new members and was done away with a few years back. £50 a year at the time and yet many at the club were not spending a large percentage of this in the 12 month subscription period. I accept that many have to get off after a game and family time is precious, but to barely use it across the year including in the summer is very poor in my opinion. Funny how when the club announced unspent amounts would be defaulted they turned up and cleared the place of spirits and wine

 

[Hobbit]

I've always used the bar, both after rounds and for ad hoc visits. Eat in there almost every week too. However, I totally disagree with bar levies. People join golf clubs, not drinking clubs.

Its up to the clubs to make them as attractive as possible, not get money irrespective of whether or not its a good bar/product.

 

[Jaco]

Surely if you need to charge a compulsory 50 quid, the problem is that the bar/restaurant isn't welcoming enough. I remember being at a club years ago that was desperate for members as they were close to going bust, and an old duffer tapped my wife's foot with his and muttered "inappropriate footwear". She had trainers on as she'd just had a lesson. They sometimes struggle with the fact that people don't feel grateful anymore to be able to spend a grand a year to join their club.

 

[rosecott]

The better route is to have smart cards which give several levels of discount according to how much you spend.

 

[Fish]

My card is £150, my membership started September 1st and I’ve already topped it up 4 times with £100 each time. I spent over £1200 in my bar last year which was my lowest for a few years 😜

 

[Bigfoot]

I spend much more than £50 per year but would also object to a levy card. The choice should be the members. Our bar is always is use after rounds so the need is not there anyway. Each club will have a different mix of members but generally similar in taste. Each club needs to ensure the members requirements are covered or they will have an empty bar.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

Surely if you need to charge a compulsory 50 quid, the problem is that the bar/restaurant isn't welcoming enough. I remember being at a club years ago that was desperate for members as they were close to going bust, and an old duffer tapped my wife's foot with his and muttered "inappropriate footwear". She had trainers on as she'd just had a lesson. They sometimes struggle with the fact that people don't feel grateful anymore to be able to spend a grand a year to join their club.

Some do it at the beginning of the membership year to give the Bar/Club X amount up front which they can then use on stock and negotiate good deals with suppliers:
ie: 400 member each handing over £50.00 = £20,000.

Some Clubs also give members 10% discount on the bar prices so for the 50 quid up front they get 55 quid to spend on bar stock/bar food etc.

I don’t see it as encouraging people to drink alcohol but a way of getting them to socialise and then spend more when the initial amount runs out.

As you can see from answers it can be divisive.

 

[drdel]

I don't see the issue; I find it means I don't need to carry a wallet/cash while going for a game!

 

[Imurg]

We were issued cards when we joined but we didn't have to put any money on them..
But, as we get 10% discount it's a no-brainer to do it.
I've always been against mandatory bar levies but if you're going to miss itn then it makes sense

 

[brendy]

Jaysus I hope none of you guys drive home after even 2 pints.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Our place is the same as with Imurg. Cards, love them, that give a discount but no levy. I'm against a levy, it's my choice how and where I spend my money. Make the club attractive enough to make me want to spend money there.

 

[User20205]

Jaysus I hope none of you guys drive home after even 2 pints.

I was thinking that.....‘a couple of pints is essential’, can’t do that really. Normally I leave it to phil to provide the moral outrage, but that doesn’t really wash. That said there are a couple at my place who have 3-4 & drive regularly

 

[User20205]

Our place is the same as with Imurg. Cards, love them, that give a discount but no levy. I'm against a levy, it's my choice how and where I spend my money. Make the club attractive enough to make me want to spend money there.

We have an £100 levy, it lasts 4-6 weeks. It’s money I would spend anyway & I get an additional 10%. I guess it does allow the bar/restaurant to budget as it’s guaranteed income.

 

[Blue in Munich]

Surely if you need to charge a compulsory 50 quid, the problem is that the bar/restaurant isn't welcoming enough. I remember being at a club years ago that was desperate for members as they were close to going bust, and an old duffer tapped my wife's foot with his and muttered "inappropriate footwear". She had trainers on as she'd just had a lesson. They sometimes struggle with the fact that people don't feel grateful anymore to be able to spend a grand a year to join their club.

Complete rot. As someone else has pointed out, it gives the club a fund with which to negotiate better deals, there's the convenience of not having to carry cash and as members paying for drinks on the card there's a healthy discount. As to the club not having a welcoming bar & restaurant, I'll leave that to those who have enjoyed the hospitality at my club to comment, but I haven't received any complaints so far.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I was thinking that.....‘a couple of pints is essential’, can’t do that really. Normally I leave it to phil to provide the moral outrage, but that doesn’t really wash. That said there are a couple at my place who have 3-4 & drive regularly

I suspect the police could boost their arrest figures very easily by parking up outside an awful lot of golf clubs and checking those leaving. I see a lot of golfers having two pints and then driving. Not just at my club but when playing elsewhere. The message is somehow failing to get through to these people.

 

[Blue in Munich]

I suspect the police could boost their arrest figures very easily by parking up outside an awful lot of golf clubs and checking those leaving. I see a lot of golfers having two pints and then driving. Not just at my club but when playing elsewhere. The message is somehow failing to get through to these people.

I suspect that they couldn't as random breath testing is unlawful and driving out of a golf club car park in itself isn't sufficient grounds to require a breath test. Do you think two pints would actually cause you to fail a breathalyser test in England or Wales?

 

[TreeSeeker]

Pulling people over as soon as they finish drinking is a real waste of time, you can't breath test accurately for I think 20 minutes (correct if wrong?) because it would give an artificially high reading. And I think they need no further evidence than they think you've been drinking?

 

[brendy]

I suspect that they couldn't as random breath testing is unlawful and driving out of a golf club car park in itself isn't sufficient grounds to require a breath test. Do you think two pints would actually cause you to fail a breathalyser test in England or Wales?

Dunno about mainland but Police here have been given special dispensation to carry out random tests and yes 2 pints would have you on the limit or worse depending on strength.