Vera’s Flavours: Leeds shop could be allowed alcohol licence despite anti-social behaviour concerns

Objections were raised to a premises licence application for Vera’s Flavours on Dewsbury Road.

Twelve people signed a petition opposing a licence for the shop after the council received an application to sell alcohol from 7am-11pm.

A licensing hearing was told the applicant, Vera Suarez, would shorten the hours alcohol was sold to 8am-8pm.

Other measures included CCTV and no sales of high-strength beers or single cans.

Tony Clarke, representing the applicant, said a total of 39 conditions were attached to the licence.

He said: “This is a small, well-run family owned shop. She has a strong track record of managing shops and restaurants.”

Agreements were reached with West Yorkshire Police and the council ahead of the licensing sub-committee hearing on Tuesday, councillors were told.

Ed Carlisle, Green Party councillor for Hunslet and Riverside also withdrew his objection.

The shop is next to Sabura, a food-led venue which is part of the same business.

Last month, Sabura was allowed to serve alcohol until 1.30am at weekends after applying for a licence variation.

The petition letter said excessive alcohol sales in the area were fuelling crime and drunken behaviour on the streets.

It said: “The impact of alcohol is present and felt here.”

Leeds City Council has launched a consultation on making part of Beeston a Cumulative Impact Area (CIA), deemed to be at high risk from problem drinking.

Alcohol licence applications face tougher scrutiny in CIA areas.

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Mr Clarke said the applicant was not aware of the CIA proposal when she first asked for a licence.

He said: “I must stress that it is not in place at this time.”

The applicant was told to await written notification of the outcome of the hearing.