Harehills: Leeds Council officials and police raise objections as shop applies for 24-7 alcohol licence
Objections have been raised after a shop applied for 24-7 alcohol sales in a community hit by problem drinking.
Fears have been raised over the impact on public health if a round-the-clock licence was granted for 81 Roundhay Road.
Yakob Tadese applied for a licence for the shop, which is in a Cumulative Impact Area (CIA), designated as suffering from alcohol-related crime and health problems.
It is also close to Archway, a support centre for 16-25 year olds, and a Surestart family centre on Leopold Street.
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An objection letter from the council’s public health team said: “There are concerns regarding the potential harm to children, crime and disorder and public safety.”
Similar concerns were raised when a nearby shop at 97 Roundhay Road, also in the CIA area, applied to extend its opening hours. The licence variation was turned down at a hearing on September 24.
The application for 81 Roundhay Road will be heard on Tuesday (October 15).
A council report said the shop was previously part of the Piassa Ethiopian Restaurant next door, and had applied to operate as a separate off-licence.
Fifteen forms signed by people saying they supported the application have been submitted to the council.
A letter from the applicant said measures to prevent public nuisance would include CCTV, a challenge 25 policy and litter clearances.
It said: “I will continue to do everything I can to ensure there is no problem or disturbance for the local community.”
In their objection letter, West Yorkshire Police said the licence conditions did not satisfy the safety concerns raised.
PC Neil Haywood said: “Many street drinkers attend this area of Harehills due to the high concentration of off-licences where alcohol is readily available, and the price is driven down by fierce competition.”
A licensing sub-committee will have the option of granting or refusing the application, or allowing it additional conditions.