1. Status of This Rule Webpage

This Rule Webpage sets out the rules, standards of conduct, and operating principles of Moulsecoomb Social Club CIC (“the Club”).

These rules apply to:

• All Club members

• All guests and visitors while on Club premises

• All committee members, officers, staff, and volunteers

This Rule Book operates alongside:

• The Club’s governing constitution and/or Articles of Association

• The Club’s Premises Licence or Club Premises Certificate

• All applicable laws and official guidance

Where there is any conflict, the following order applies:

1. Law and statutory requirements

2. Licensing conditions

3. Governing Articles / Constitution

4. This Rule Book

5. Supporting policies and procedures

2. Purpose of the Club

Moulsecoomb Social Club CIC exists to:

• Provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming social space

• Promote social interaction, cultural activity, and community benefit

• Operate on a not-for-profit basis

The Club is run in accordance with its community objectives and any asset-lock or non-distribution provisions contained within its governing documents.

3. Definitions

For the purposes of this Rule Book:

• The Club means Moulsecoomb Social Club CIC

• The Committee means the elected governing body of the Club

• Member means a person admitted to membership

• Guest means a non-member admitted under a member’s responsibility

• Premises means all areas under the Club’s control

4. Membership

Membership is open to individuals who support the aims of the Club and agree to follow these rules.

Membership categories, fees, and subscription periods are determined by the Committee and communicated to members.

Annual Subscriptions

• Due on 1st March each year

• Must be paid by 31st March

• Failure to pay will result in membership lapse and termination

Lapsed members may only attend as guests unless re-admitted.

Membership Applications

All applications:

• Must be submitted on an approved form

• May be accepted or refused at the Committee’s discretion

• Confer no rights until formally approved

Membership Requirements

• A member must complete two full consecutive years of membership before proposing or seconding a new member

• A member must complete two full consecutive years before applying to serve on the Committee

Membership is non-transferable.

Members must:

• Conduct themselves appropriately

• Follow this Rule Book

• Reasonably comply with directions from staff or the Committee

5. Constitution and Committee

The Club Committee consists of:

• President

• Vice President

• Chairman

• Vice Chairman

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Committee Members

Committee Elections

• All positions are elected every two years by ballot

• Results are announced at the Annual General Meeting (AGM)

No person may stand for election or appointment unless they have completed two full consecutive years as a Club member.

Committee Meetings

• The Committee meets monthly, normally on the second Wednesday of each month

• Quorum requirements apply

Any Committee member absent from three consecutive meetings without written apology will be deemed to have resigned.

Vacancies may be filled by the Committee and confirmed at the AGM.

6. Guests and Visitors

Members may introduce guests subject to Committee limits, Club rules, and licensing conditions.

Guest Limits

A member may sign in the same guest on no more than 11 occasions. After 11 visits, that person must apply for membership before attending again as a guest unless the Committee approves otherwise.

Members are responsible for their guests at all times.

Guests must:

• Follow this Rule Book

• Leave when requested by authorised persons

The Committee reserves the right to refuse entry to or remove any guest without giving a reason.

7. Standards of Conduct

The Club is committed to providing an environment that is:

• Safe

• Respectful

• Free from harassment, discrimination, or violence

The following will not be tolerated:

• Threatening or abusive behaviour

• Harassment or discrimination

• Excessive intoxication

• Illegal activity

• Wilful damage to Club property

Breaches may result in:

• Refusal of service

• Removal from the premises

• Suspension or expulsion

8. Dress Code

All persons using the Club premises must dress in a clean, appropriate, and suitable manner for a shared social environment.

Dress Standards

• Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times

• Bare feet are not permitted anywhere on the premises

• Male members, guests, and visitors must not be topless

• Vests or clothing leaving shoulders uncovered are not permitted for males

The Committee, bar staff, or authorised persons may refuse entry or service where dress is considered unsuitable, unsafe, or likely to cause offence or disruption.

9. Dogs and Assistance Dogs

Dogs are not permitted anywhere on Club premises.

Exceptions

The only exception is recognised assistance dogs accompanying a disabled person who requires that support.

Handlers remain responsible for the dog’s conduct and control at all times.

If any animal presents a health, hygiene, safety, or behavioural concern, the Committee or authorised staff may take reasonable action in accordance with the law.

10. Alcohol and Bar Conduct

Alcohol supply must comply with licensing law and Club conditions.

Alcohol will not be supplied to:

• Persons under 18

• Intoxicated individuals

Members must not:

• Purchase alcohol for excluded persons

• Encourage disorderly behaviour

The Committee may implement additional controls where required.

11. Children and Young People

Children are permitted only in accordance with licensing conditions and Club policy.

Restrictions

• Under 12s are not permitted in the main bar area

• No person under 18 is permitted at the bar

• Under 12s must leave by 8pm unless attending an approved event

Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.

Members are responsible for the conduct and supervision of any child they bring into the Club.

Where a child’s behaviour causes disruption, risk, damage, distress to others, or breaches these rules, the Committee may take reasonable and proportionate action against the responsible member, including:

• Warnings

• Suspension or withdrawal of permission to bring children into the Club

• Disciplinary action in serious or repeated cases

Any action taken will be considered fairly and consistently based on the facts of the case.

The Committee may restrict access where behaviour causes disruption or risk.

12. Safety, Fire, and Welfare

The Club is committed to maintaining a safe environment.

All persons on the premises must:

• Follow fire procedures

• Keep exits clear

• Follow safety instructions

Accidents, incidents, hazards, and near misses must be reported immediately to staff or the Committee.

13. Use of Premises and Events

The premises are for members and authorised use only.

Events must be approved by the Committee or persons authorised by the Committee.

Outdoor areas must be used responsibly with proper regard for:

• Safety

• Neighbours

• Licensing requirements

Alcohol must not be removed from the premises unless authorised and lawful to do so.

14. Equality and Inclusion

The Club promotes equality, inclusion, and respectful participation.

Discrimination, victimisation, or harassment will not be tolerated.

Any equality-related policy adopted by the Club forms part of this Rule Book.

15. Data Protection and Privacy

The Club processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.

This may include:

• Membership records

• CCTV

• Incident and disciplinary logs

16. Discipline, Suspension, and Expulsion

The Committee may take action where a member:

• Breaches these rules

• Brings the Club into disrepute

• Poses a risk to others or to the Club

Possible actions include:

• Warnings

• Suspension

• Expulsion

Where practicable, members will:

• Be informed of concerns or allegations

• Be given an opportunity to respond

• Have a right of appeal in accordance with Club procedure

17. Complaints

Complaints should be submitted in writing to the Committee or to an officer designated for that purpose.

Complaints will be handled fairly, proportionately, and as confidentially as reasonably possible.

The Committee’s decision is final, subject to any appeal provisions adopted by the Club.

18. Governance

The Club is managed by the Committee in accordance with its governing documents and applicable law.

Committee members must:

• Act in the Club’s best interests

• Manage conflicts of interest appropriately

• Comply with legal and fiduciary duties

19. Financial Principles

Club funds must only be used for proper Club purposes.

No private profit is permitted except for:

• Approved wages

• Legitimate reimbursements

• Other lawful payments properly authorised by the Club

20. Policies and Procedures

Supporting policies and procedures may include:

• Health and Safety

• Safeguarding

• Equality

• Data Protection

• Financial Controls

• Events and Functions

Supporting policies approved by the Committee should be read alongside this Rule Book.

21. Amendments

These rules may be amended by Committee resolution or by member resolution in accordance with the Club’s governing arrangements.

Members will be notified of any approved changes.