Tesco vows pub crawl ban at new store on Otley Run route amid licence row
Supermarket chain Tesco has agreed not to serve people taking part in a famous pub crawl if an alcohol licence is granted.
The company is awaiting a decision from councillors after applying to sell drinks at a new store in Headingley Central.
The site is on the route of the Otley Run, which draws thousands of drinkers to the area at weekends.
The council received objections from 31 people living nearby and Green Party councillor Tim Goodall, who raised concerns more drinks sales would add to anti-social behaviour on the crawl.
At a licensing hearing, Tesco argued that measures including CCTV, staff training and a “think 25” policy would be in place.
A condition on the proposed licence also said nobody in fancy dress or thought to be on the Otley Run would be served at the Tesco Express.
Jeremy Bark, representing Tesco, said: “We encourage and empower members of staff to refuse the sale of alcohol if they have any concerns whatsoever.”
Leeds city councillors were told the planned store was in a Cumulative Impact Area (CIA), classed as suffering from high levels of alcohol-related disorder.
Mr Bark said: “We say the premises are not likely to add to the cumulative impact.
“We don’t want to be part of the Otley Run. We want to be able to service people who live and work in the local area.”
Objector Christopher Webb said the Otley Run had grown over the years he had lived in Headingley.
He told the hearing: “In the summer months you could be looking at 3,500 people pouring through central Headingley.
“There are people who go into supermarkets to buy additional alcohol because they are in between establishments that have queues.”
Tesco first applied to sell drinks from 6am-midnight but reduced the hours to 7am-11am as part of an agreement with the police.
Councillors said a decision on the licence application would be issued in writing in five working days.