D-day for Leeds pub at centre of drunken violence

The Aviator, on High Street, Yeadon, had its licence suspended last month pending a full review by licensing officials at Leeds City Council, scheduled for today.

Concerns about the pub came to a head when 52-year-old Richard Davies died from head injuries as he tried to break up a fight that started inside the venue in May last year.

A mass brawl on New Year’s Day this year saw up to 20 people fighting outside the premises. According to police, even the manager on duty that night was involved in the fracas.

Another incident on February 6 left three men needing hospital treatment after having their heads stamped on.

A police report to the council said: “West Yorkshire Police have real concerns that should another serious incident occur, any injuries could be potentially fatal. Therefore West Yorkshire Police cannot afford to wait and put public safety at risk.”

The council’s licensing sub-committee could decide to revoke the licence completely.