Stricter alcohol rules in Leeds struggling to reduce booze-fuelled anti social behaviour, paper claims

The document, written by Leeds City Council officers, claims anti-social behaviour related to street drinking in Harehills and Armley remains a major problem, while the same figures for the city centre, Headingley and Hyde Park are rising once again following the post-lockdown reopening of bars.

This is despite the council’s introduction of Cumulative Impact Policy (CIP) zones in these districts. CIPs are areas in which it is more difficult to get a new permission to sell alcohol due to problems with drink-related anti-social behaviour.

A review into the CIP zones is carried out every three years, and members of Leeds City Council’s Licensing Committee will discuss the latest findings into the zones.

The paper states: “The situation in the areas currently designated as cumulative impact areas is severe.

“Harehills and Armley suffer with anti-social behaviour and disorder associated with street drinking, and this has continued throughout the last three years, and has been especially concerning during the three coronavirus lockdowns.

“Partner organisations have continued to work in these areas with people who persist in drinking in groups on the street.

“Although this work has been affected by the lockdowns, the problems remain.”

The document added that Headingley, Hyde Park and the city centre, which are also areas previously with high levels of drink-related anti-social behaviour, have been affected by the three Covid-19 lockdowns over the past 18 months.

It stated: “The crime rates reduced during the closures but have increased again as the premises have reopened.

“This shows the impact of licensed premises on crime and disorder, and these rates are highest in these three areas.”

As far as the pandemic’s long-term effect on the night time economy goes, the council and West Yorkshire Police say it is simply too early to say.

The report will be discussed by members of the council’s Licensing Committee on Tuesday, November 2.

upport the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.