The use of imitation firearms by a troupe of line dancers practising their steps in a Co Down hall has brought them into conflict with the local borough council.
The council, which owns the hall, accused the line dancers of breaching fire regulations and banned them from firing their imitation Colt 45s.
The move caused several people to leave the Missouri Country Music and Line Dancing Club. But some club members decided to give up their cowboy antics and continue line dancing - minus their weapons - at Holywood's Queen's Hall.
North Down Borough Council then enforced a smoking and drinking ban on the troupe, which members regarded as the final straw. "We feel we have been victimised by the council. Every time we went to the hall there was a new set of rules," said Mr Billy McClintock, who organised the club's monthly meetings.
"How can you have a social evening without a bit of craic and carrying on?" he asked.
The club, which had been based in Queen's Hall for five years, has now taken its custom to the local yacht club where the sailing fraternity appears unconcerned by their activities.
"We are still using our guns at the yacht club. The council wasn't prepared to negotiate with us. We were just told, `that's the rules, like it or lump it'," Mr McClintock said.
Mr Stephen Reid, director of leisure, tourism and community services for North Down Borough Council, said the council was forced to intervene to ensure the club adhered to health and safety regulations.
He said the club had not been banned from using the Queen's Hall. "Unfortunately the club took the decision to move their sessions when they were unable to comply with non-smoking regulations inside the building, specifically related to cigarette smoking," he said.