Police and council oppose popular Leeds bar's bid to stay open until 4am
The bar wants to add two hours to its closing times
A popular bar in Leeds’ LGBTQ+ quarter could be blocked from serving drinks until 4am after objections were raised.
The police and council have opposed an application from the Bridge Inn to add an extra two hours to its Thursday-Saturday closing times.
Leeds City Council will consider a variation to the premise licence for the pub on Bridge End.
A licensing report said the bar was in a cumulative impact area (CIA), classed as suffering from high levels of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.
The premises is also within a CIA “red zone” where the strictest licensing controls apply.
A licensing report said: “The council’s CIA identifies this area as one experiencing the highest levels of alcohol-related crime, disorder and nuisance within Leeds city centre.
“Applications received from premises located within the red zone and operating during peak hours can expect representations from West Yorkshire Police and the licensing authority, recommending refusal.”
The council also received letters of objection on behalf of nearby hotels Indigo and Malmaison.
Hotel Indigo’s letter said disruption was already being caused by loud music in the area after midnight.
It said: “This has resulted in disappointed guests and complaints about their inability to sleep or enjoy their accommodation without disturbance.”
Star Pubs Trading Ltd said the Bridge was run by an experienced management team and had measures in place to prevent nuisance behaviour.
They included CCTV and procedures to safely disperse customers at the end of the night.
The licence application said: “Bridge Inn is an established licensed premises within Leeds’ Freedom Quarter, rather than a new entrant to the late night economy.
“The variation is intended to support the responsible operation and improvement of an existing LGBTQ+ venue.”
Councillors will consider the application at a licensing sub-committee hearing at Leeds Civic Hall on Tuesday, November 10.
The pub, also known as Bridge Bar, sought new management after facing closure last year.
Its website said: “Bridge Bar Leeds is back, bringing fresh flavour to the thriving LGBTQ+ scene.”