'A disaster waiting to happen': Backlash as Leeds petrol station applies for 24-7 alcohol sales
Fears have been raised over anti-social behaviour
A Leeds petrol station is facing objections after applying to the council for round-the-clock alcohol sales.
Fears have been raised over potential noise and anti-social behaviour if a licence is granted for Wharrels Service Station in Pudsey.
Essar Oil applied for a licence sell food and drinks 24-7, including through a hatch between 11pm and 6am, at the Lowtown premises.
Leeds City Council received 14 letters from nearby householders and ward councillors opposing the application.
One objection letter said: “There are already ongoing issues in the area with noise disturbance from traffic, including cars idling, revving engines, speeding, and general late-night noise.”
Another said: “Dangerous driving coupled with alcohol and anti social behaviour is a disaster waiting to happen.”
Concerns were also raised that the premises did not have planning permission for 24-hour opening.
Conservative councillors Dawn and Simon Seary called for refusal of the licence or restricted serving hours.
Dawn Seary said: “The premises is situated within a residential area and I do not believe that granting a 24-hour licence would be appropriate for this location.”
An objection from West Yorkshire Police was withdrawn after conditions were agreed with the applicant.
They included incident records being kept, strict monitoring of CCTV and people being discouraged from drinking outside the petrol station and convenience store.
A licensing report said: “Alcohol shall not be displayed next to the public entrance or exit of the premises.
“The display of spirits shall be in an area accessible only by staff.”
Consultancy firm Licensing Matters, representing the applicant, also proposed conditions on alcohol deliveries and age checks.
A letter to the police said: “Our client Essar operates a responsible retail business across the UK and wishes to retain the ability to provide alcohol deliveries as part of its wider offer to customers.
“This is an increasingly important aspect of convenience retailing and forms part of the business model moving forward.”
The application will be considered at a licensing sub-committee hearing at Leeds Civic Hall on Tuesday, July 7.
A report to the meeting said: “Between the hours of 11pm to 6am the shop will be closed to the public and all transactions will be made by a night-pay window covered by CCTV.”
Councillors will have the option of granting, refusing or allowing the licence with additional conditions.