New Leeds off licence bids criticised

The deadline for objections for the two bids for Town Street is tomorrow.

Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves, who has previously spearheaded a consultation for a Cumulative Impact Policy in Armley to stem the growth of shops selling alcohol, said: “I have had countless constituents contact me about the alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour on Armley Town Street, it is one of the reasons why I have been working to improve this area.

“This, alongside the results from my survey last summer, have time and time again showed the problems Armley Town Street faces with street drinking and the public concern around it.

“We are on the cusp of having a Cumulative Impact Policy implemented on the area covering the DPPO around Armley Town Street and any decision to approve the off-licenses would be incompatible with the ethos behind why such a scheme is going to be introduced into Armley in the first place.

“It would be crazy to award these applications with licenses while the Cumulative Impact Policy is awaiting approval.

“I urge all residents concerned about these applications to make a comment to Leeds City Council Licensing Committee through their website before Friday, May 6.”

There are currently 13 off-licenses in a restricted drinking zone covering Armley Town Street and Branch Road.

The YEP has reported previously that Armley, if it becomes subject to a Cumulative Impact Policy, will be the sixth area of the city to do so.

Leeds also has 18 areas with DPPOs (Designated Public Place Orders) in force, which allow police to ban drinking in public places and move troublemakers on.