Clubs

What is a Club? - Clubs have a rich history in across the UK, and campaigning to support and promote them is a core part of CAMRA’s mission – but what exactly is a club?

Definition of a Club

CAMRA defines clubs as:

• private members’ clubs.
• operated and governed for the benefit of their members.
• where any surpluses are reinvested for the benefit of the membership.

The Detail:

Not all clubs operate the same way, they’re as varied as the communities that own and run them. Some might charge a membership fee to join, and most (but not all) allow guest members. Unlike pubs, clubs may operate under a full premises licence, or a clubs premises certificate or, in some cases, both types of licence.

The most common types of clubs include: social clubs, working men’s clubs, ex-servicemen’s clubs, political clubs, sports clubs (e.g. cricket, rugby, football, golf, bowling, sailing, tennis, sports supporters clubs), religious clubs, and Student Unions.

Notes:

Licensed premises that might have the word ‘club’ in their name, but which are not governed by a membership and whose profits are not used for the members’ benefit are not clubs.

Clubs are private members’ clubs, operated for the benefit of their members, whilst the premises may not be owned by the members. Operated means that the operations of the club is governed by its members, typically a committee, although the actual running of the club may be performed by salaried staff, e.g. a club steward and a team of bar staff.

Commercial sports centres such as leisure centres should be considered as such rather than as private members’ clubs.

Proprietary clubs owned by an individual or business with a view to making a profit, rather than existing for the benefit of their members, fall within the category of ‘Other Drinking Establishments’.

Heritage Clubs

This project is currently under development, and aims to produce a Register of heritage clubs with important historic interiors. The Register is a vital part of our structured statement of national club preservation priorities and will identify the country’s most outstanding club interiors in terms of their high degree of intactness and/or exceptional rooms or features.

Below you can access the selection criteria and nomination guidance for the Register, more information will be added as the project progresses.

If you would like to get involved, or to nominate a club, please email info@clubs.camra.org.uk

Find pubs with historic interiors Selection criteria Nomination guidance