'A problematic area': Leeds restaurant refused drinks licence after concerns raised

An African restaurant in Leeds has been refused permission for alcohol sales after fears were raised over noise and public disorder.

The Golden Calabash, on Harehills Lane, sought a premises licence to serve drinks until 1am at weekends and 12.30am, Sunday-Thursday.

The application was opposed by council officers and West Yorkshire Police at a hearing on Tuesday (May 12).

Councillors were told premises supervisor Bertin Boyomo Nfonkeu had set out measures to keep order at the premises.

Mr Nfonkeu said: “I would never do anything to damage that community.”

CCTV would be installed, music would not be audible outside and customers would be asked to leave quietly.

Leeds City Council said six public letters in support of the application were received.

The hearing was also told the premises at 480 Harehills Lane was being used as a free meeting space for community groups.

A licensing report said the business was contacted on December 23 last year following a noise complaint.

It was alleged the premises was operating as a nightclub and customers were shouting outside and urinating in the street.

According to a police report, the premises operators said alcohol seen in the restaurant was for display purposes only. They said drinks consumed on the premises had been brought in by customers.

The restaurant is in a Cumulative Impact Area (CIA), classed by the council as suffering from high levels of alcohol-related harm.

Police licensing officer Andy Clifford said: “This premises is situated in an area that is already problematic in terms of licensed activity.”

Councillors refused the licence application following the hearing at Leeds Civic Hall.

The Golden Calabash was told an appeal could be lodged with 21 days.