The plans of businessman Bale also spark controversy

Despite Bristol City Council having granted permission for Gareth Bale's company to open an indoor golf bar in the city centre, their idea was opposed by neighbours and raised police concerns.

Those opposing the plans argued that another bar opening in the city centre's Cumulative Impact Area (CIA) would only increase antisocial behaviour and noise in the area.

However, the barrister of Bale's company True Swing Bristol, Roy Light, stressed that their intention is to promote other activities rather than drinking.

"One of the directors who isn't here today is a keen golfer, a well-known footballer and a non-drinker," Light told the City Hall.

"He wanted to try to promote places where people could come where drinking wasn't the main thing when you went out for an evening.

"These premises are not an alcohol-led bar, they are not clubs. They are primarily an indoor adventure golf centre.

"The strength of local feeling is recognised by the applicants. They are confident these premises can run successfully without causing any problems to residents or increasing issues in the area and will be a positive addition to the centre of Bristol."

Compromises

Although Bale's firm firstly applied to have the bar open until 01.30 from Thursday to Saturday and close one hour earlier on the rest of the nights, they reached an agreement with police and neighbours to reduce it by an hour and consider Thursday as a weeknight.

"The business that True Swing wants to operate is not purely a golf entertainment space but another late-night drinking venue in an area which is already at saturation," said Hotwells & Harbourside ward councillor, Alex Hartley.

"The original plans had a clear focus on golf but it's now a side attraction.

"This is a densely populated residential area with hundreds of flats. It is already suffering a very large amount of antisocial behaviour, and the opening of a new bar will increase this."

The Real Madrid forward opened his own golf course inside a nightclub in Cardiff last month.