Leeds booze license granted reduced hours following residents' concerns

An application to sell alcohol at a shop in Cross Gates in Leeds has been partially successful - despite local residents' concerns about anti-social behaviour. KASA Cross Gates, based at the former Wine Rack in Cross Gates shopping centre, wanted to sell alcohol from 7am until 11.30pm each night - but councillors on the licensing committee pegged back the hours to 11pm following concerns by residents over problems with anti-social behaviour. Objectors included the Cross Gates Watch Residents Association, who raised concerns about the hours of operation, not the principle of the license. In a report to the committee, chairman Eamonn Judge said: "The premises will open half an hour after last orders at local hostelries and will invite already inebriated persons to consume more alcohol on the street with all the problems that brings - petty crime, disorder, public nuisance and a perceived lack of safety from members of the public... "We have a long history of problems from alcohol-sodden people on Austhorpe Road." Among the other objectors was local resident David Bowcock, who also expressed concerns about alcohol-related crime in the area - and objected on the grounds of public safety, crime and disorder, public nuisance and the prevention of children from harm. Concerns raised by other residents included the 7am start. All three local councillors - Peter Gruen, Pauleen Grahame and Suzi Armitage - also objected. In their application, KASA Cross Gates said that the premises would have CCTV and a designated premises supervisor would generally be on-site. Councillors agreed to grant the license, but only until 11pm. They also said that the owners must operate a 'check 25' policy, which means if someone does not look 25 years old they must be asked for identification. What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.