A seaside town in Kent best known for its picturesque pier and art deco bandstand has become the unlikely focus of a bitter dispute about alleged drug-taking and drunken revelry - at a Catholic social club.
Residents neighbouring Herne Bay Catholic Social Club fought tooth and claw to thwart an application by the venue to serve alcohol until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, complaining that rowdy behaviour at the venue was already making their lives a misery.
One local even invoked Michael Jackson to express her opposition, serenading a Canterbury City Council licensing hearing with a recording of the 80s hit Billie Jean echoing from the club.
When I bought my flat over three years ago, I knew it was there, said Pat Irwin, who lives opposite the club. But I did not expect to not be able to hear my TV over the noise with my windows shut - and I am not deaf.
Irwins complaints nonetheless fell on deaf ears, as did the protests of other residents who lodged official objections amid allegations instances of vomiting, urination and fighting outside the venue.
Councillors granted a variation of the existing licence, allowing the club to serve alcohol and play music until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Drinks will be served until 11pm on all other days of the week, with drinking in the garden permitted until 10pm.
Its really good news for us, said Lousie Quigley, 40, the club secretary. The club is for Herne Bay and its a community, members social club.
From left to right: church deacon Barry Walker, secretary Louise Quigley, trustee Sean Blackman, bar manager Sylvia Elson, and Michael Kheng of the Herne Bay Catholic Social Club
Herne Bay Catholic Social Club, which has a fully licensed bar as well as pool and snooker tables, has been granted an extension to serve alcohol until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
The club, which holds regular events including darts, bingo and quizzes, has a history dating back more than half a century
Were on a walkway from many other public establishments in Herne Bay, so a lot of the [rowdier] clientele wouldnt come from our establishment.
The extension was secured after officials argued that other nearby venues were to blame for disorderly behaviour.
Members will also be free to take drinks purchased at the bar home with them after permission was granted for a takeaway alcohol licence.
The concessions were granted despite the insistence of Irwin and others that unruly and loud behaviour was a frequent occurrence at the club, which was founded almost 65 years ago and is adjacent to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart church.
Large loudspeakers have often been played outside, Irwin told the hearing. Its booming noise even with your windows shut, often coming from inside the building.
You are being asked to allow freedom for the club to have as many events as they wish.
Can you imagine the detrimental effect this would have on the neighbourhood?
Another neighbour, David Clough, made claims of anti-social behaviour and drug use.
There is vomiting and urination in the street by members and noise nuisance, usually from drunk females crying and screaming about their boyfriend, Clough said in a written objection.
Car doors slamming as members are collected by mini cabs, fighting and arguments are also heard.
Most of the 10 residents opposed to the bid said they had complained not only to the council but also to Kent Police, who expressed no concerns about the application.
The club has operated with no problems under the current certificate for 19 years, Michael Kheng, a representative for the venue, told the hearing, adding that 70% of the 600-strong membership are aged over 45. The premises has received no complaints from the council or police.
Kheng added that the takeaway alcohol licence was to enable members to take home unfinished bottles of wine, and purely that, insisting the club was not acting as an off-licence.
Its purely if they do not finish drinks, want to have a drink on the way home or take wine back home to have with supper, said Kheng.
Quigley, who described the venue as a family-friendly community club, said efforts were made to curb noise and keep neighbouring locals apprised of planned activities.
When we do have outdoor events, which tend to be in the summer, we send out leaflets and information to neighbours to make sure that theyre aware.
Hopefully we can work with the neighbours and residents in the near future and keep sending out communications.