A newsagent’s shop in a Leeds neighbourhood has been given the go ahead to sell booze until 2am despite the concerns of nearby residents.
But in what opponents of the application have described as a “partial victory,” the late sales of alcohol will be restricted to Fridays and Saturdays.
Bal News in Dewsbury Road, Beeston, is currently allowed to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between 8am and 11pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am until 10.30pm on Sunday.
Earlier this year the shop applied for a 24-hour licence which was rejected by the council.
It’s latest application to be allowed to sell booze until 2am every night sparked concern among residents, who feared it would add to disturbances they already suffered.
Coun Angela Gabriel (Lab, Beeston and Holbeck), who told the licensing sub-committee she was representing a number of residents, said night time sales took place from a hatch on to the street and people had complained about noise caused by cars and people wishing to buy goods knocking on the window.
She said: “This is causing a noise nuisance to neighbours. They have jobs to go to and don’t want to be woken up in the night.”
Mr Mujahid Yousefzai, who runs the business, said later opening would improve security at the shop, which earlier this year had been burgled, and be convenient for the local community.
In reaching its decision, the sub-committee ruled there must be no sales from the hatch after 11pm.