One of Prince Andrew's favourite golf clubs faces a dry 19th hole unless rules that discriminate against women are changed.

The Royal Norfolk Golf Club has had its application for a new drinks licence put on ice until it changes rules that prevent women members from voting at meetings.

The club, which is not far from the Queen's estate at Sandringham, counts Prince Andrew among its 740 members.

The order for the change in club rules has come from West Norfolk magistrates who considered the club's application to renew its licence to sell alcohol.

Now club members will vote to amend the rules, allowing women to vote

Club secretary Major Nigel Carrington Smith

Now the club has until 5 September to introduce the changes.

Club secretary Major Nigel Carrington Smith said: "At the moment, if there's a meeting of any sort, the men vote and the ladies don't."

He said the club had been aware its current policy could affect its application.

"We thought it might happen. It's a European thing I think. Clubs are not allowed to discriminate against any gender."

He said the order was not unusual and every sports club has to examine its rules to ensure equality.

Human rights

Women have always been allowed to join the club, which is more than 100 years old, but barred from voting.

"Now club members will vote to amend the rules, allowing women to vote," said Major Carrington Smith.

Under the 1964 Licensing Act the rules that apply to clubs applying for a liquor licence say all members should have voting rights.

An Equal Opportunities Commission spokeswoman said a public authority that granted a discriminatory licence would be in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.