As a member of WLAC I would be embarrassed if a visitor was turned away without good reason and I would hope that an appropriate level of hospitality was extended.
WLAC is not like your average flying club though. To compare with Kerdunker's example of Shoreham, which I also use regularly, WLAC is closer to a traditional private members' club. At somewhere like Shoreham, despite having very good facilities and being very accessible to visitors, there is virtually no spirit or community feel. Club members barely know each other and have little more in common than just paying bills at the same tills.
WLAC does provide have a strong sense of commumnity, camaraderie etc. People get to know each other and socialise together. Sometimes it even reminds me a little of my time on RAF squadrons or in an Officers' Mess. Shoreham just does not compare.
These benefits of membership come at a fairly considerable price but one which overall I consider to be worthwhile. As a paying member I would be somewhat put out if I could not make full use of the facilities because the club was swamped by non-paying visitors. I am sure that the bar and lawn would become an absolute free-for-all if access was unrestricted.
I am sure this was not the case when you visited and I would hope that as many guests as possible could be welcomed in but a line would have to be drawn somewhere.