New policy to tackle '˜chronic' problem of street drinking in Leeds

Members of Leeds City Council’s licensing committee have approved the introduction of a Cumulative Impact Policy for Armley Town Street.

The policy will make it much more difficult for new off-licences to be given permission to open in and around Armley Town Street.

The Cumulative Impact Policy is expected to be rubber-stamped at next month’s Leeds City Council’s full council meeting before being implemented in July.

Leeds West Labour MP Rachel Reeves, who has spearheaded the campaign for the new policy to be introduced, said: “I am delighted that Leeds City Council Licensing Panel have decided to recommend the Cumulative Impact Policy proposal for Armley to full council.

“I see this decision as important in tackling the chronic problem of street drinking on Armley Town Street and also crucial in ensuring that there is a balance of different types of shops in Armley.

“The fact that over 150 people responded to the consultation on the policy shows how much residents care about their local area.

“The work continues. The resurgence of street drinking on Armley Town Street now needs to be dealt with after a marked decrease over the winter. The policy will play a part in this by stemming the influx of off-licences on Town Street and holding licensees accountable for some of the problems we see locally. It is expected that the Policy will be in place by July and this cannot come soon enough for Armley residents. A report to the licensing committee stated: “The people of Armley have been consulted with and in broad agreement with the proposals. There is no major objection, although some members of the public question its value standing on its own.”