Leeds pubs and bars to sign up to new safety scheme amid Otley Run complaints

Pubs and bars will be asked to sign up to a new set of standards designed to make nights out in the city safer.

Venues that sign the Leeds Standards – Safe and Sound scheme will make a commitment to promote welcoming spaces and challenge harmful behaviour.

It is set to be initially launched in the city centre and Otley Run, where complaints have been made of rowdy behaviour among pub crawlers.

A council report said venues would be encouraged to spot vulnerable people in need of help.

It said: “This includes people who are intoxicated, unwell, isolated or unsure.

“Often, it is small actions by staff that make the difference, such as checking in with someone, intervening early when something does not feel right and helping someone to exit safely.”

The voluntary scheme would also encourage the safe management of queues in and out of busy venues.

The report said: “Leaving a venue should feel managed and supported, whether during the day or late at night.

“Managing this correctly can aid customers in getting home safely and reducing the chance of harm.”

The report said signing the commitment would recognise the good practices venues in the city already had in place.

The scheme will be discussed when the council’s licensing committee meets at the Civic Hall on Tuesday (November 17).

A report to the meeting said it would be formally launched in January before being expanded to other parts of the city.

It said: “This will initially be with licensed premises in the city centre and Otley Run, with potential to role out city-wide following a successful pilot year.”

The council said the scheme would not lead to changes in the way it formally regulates licensed premises.

The report said: “It is not a new layer of regulation and does not introduce new licence conditions or compliance requirements.

“Operators already make judgement calls every day in complex and fast-moving environments, and this approach recognises that reality.”