New Leeds convenience shop's alcohol licence bid faces ‘tipping point’ warning

A new convenience store could be granted an alcohol licence despite concerns it may add to drink-related nuisance behaviour.

Leeds City Council received an application to sell drinks from 7am-11pm from a former William Hill betting shop at 44 Lower Town Street, Bramley.

A licensing hearing was told the applicant, Mohamad Delshad Enayati, wanted to re-open the premises after it stood empty for six months.

Twelve letters of objection were received, including from a nearby scout group and Labour ward councillor Kevin Ritchie.

Chris Rees-Gay, representing the applicant, said conditions were agreed to prevent public nuisance after a meeting attended by some of the objectors.

He told the hearing: “Alcohol will form part of the offering as the premises operates as a convenience store for the community.

“As an operator he wants to work with the community. A meeting took place last Thursday at the premises.”

Safety measures including staff training, CCTV and external lighting being installed. A challenge 25 policy would be in place, along with an incident log.

Mr Rees-Gay said: “As an experienced operator he is aware that you do not sell to drunks.”

Coun Ritchie said statistics showed the premises was in a high-risk area for alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and health problems.

He said: “The data proves that this locality is already at a tipping point for more alcohol harm.”

Coun Ritchie welcomed the extra measures agreed at the meeting.

He said: “But the substantive concern remains around the number of premises in the area, the public health grounds. And the opening hours, being in a residential area.”

The application also faced opposition from the council’s public health team.

But police and environmental health officers withdrew their objections after agreements were reached with the applicant.

He was told the licensing sub-committee’s decision would be issued in writing within five days.