The diversity and complexity of the legal issues that can arise in the course of the activities of a club, society or association present numerous questions for those advising and managing those bodies for which they need guidance. Problems range from the interpretation of rules to anti-discrimination legislation. Legal issues can span alcohol licensing, charities, company law, employment law, expulsion procedures, litigation, meetings, promotion of lotteries, property law and taxation.

This is the definitive guide to the legal framework within which clubs, societies and associations operate, bringing together the various strands of law (including new case law and recent legislation) to provide practical legal advice for these bodies, their advisers and officers.

The work includes a full set of model rules as well as other useful material in the appendices.

Part 1: The Formation and Dissolution of a Club
Chapter 1 Formation of the Club
Chapter 2 The Club's Constitution or Rules
Chapter 3 Dissolution of the Club
Part 2: Internal Relationships: The Club and its Members
Chapter 4 Admission into the Club
Chapter 5 Management of the Club's Affairs
Chapter 6 Meetings of Club Members
Chapter 7 Cessation and Curtailment of Club Membership
Chapter 8 Ownership of the Club's Property
Chapter 9 Supply and Sale of Alcohol by the Club
Chapter 10 Supply and Sale of Food by the Club
Chapter 11 Entertainment Provided by the Club
Chapter 12 Gaming and Lotteries Run by the Club
Part 3: External Relationships: The Club and Third Parties
Chapter 13 The Club's Civil Liability to Third Parties
Chapter 14 Third Party Challenges to the Club's Decisions
Chapter 15 Landlord and Tenant Relationships Involving the Club
Chapter 16 The Club's Employment of Third Parties
Chapter 17 The Club's Liability for Tax and Business Rates
Chapter 18 The Club's Responsibility for Crime
Part 4: Clubs as Parties in Civil Proceedings
Chapter 19 The Club's Involvement in Civil Proceedings
Appendices
A Literary and Scientific Institutions Act 1854, sections 18 to 33
B Shop Clubs Act 1902, Schedule
C Licensing Act 1964, Schedule 7
D Friendly Societies Act 1974, Schedule 2
E Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, section 14
F Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020, Schedule 14
G Model Articles 2008 for private companies limited by shares
H Model Articles 2008 for private companies limited by guarantee
I Model Articles for a community interest company limited by guarantee
J Constitution of a charitable incorporated organisation, 'Association' model
K Model full set of rules for an unincorporated members' club (Basset Sports Club)
L Model short-form set of rules for an unincorporated members' club (Bassetshire Hockey Umpires Association)
M Specimen notice and agenda for an AGM (Basset Historical Society)
N Specimen minutes of a committee meeting (Basset Borough Council Standards Committee)

““.. the authors provide an excellent treatment of the ways in which a club may participate in societal interactions, including a club's civil liability. Mention should also be made of the useful appendices, containing statutes and precedents... I recommend this book to any solicitor dealing with clubs or unincorporated associations, including charities.” – Solicitors Journal, Review of previous edition” –  Solicitors Journal, Review of previous edition

“… the initial 'go to' book available to any member of a club, or indeed a third party, seeking guidance and advice about the law relating to the management and administration of a club, as well as a valuable reference book for any professional practitioner advising on this area of the law.” –  Gordon Nurse MA (Cantab) Middle Temple, Barrister, Deputy Chancery Master of the High Court of Justice, Radcliffe Chambers, London