Future of Chapeltown shop to be decided

West Yorkshire Police have applied for the licence of Neil’s Superstore in Reginald Row to be reviewed on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder.

But the shop owners have said the police’s claim was “defamatory”, and said there was no evidence presented relating to crime.

A number of letters of support were also sent to the council via the licence holder.

The police would not disclose the exact reasons for requesting the review – a council report claimed this was due to an ongoing criminal investigation and the need to protect personal data.

A council report stated: “Many of the details leading West Yorkshire Police to submit the application to review the premises licence are non-disclosable due to an ongoing criminal investigation.

“West Yorkshire Police are of the opinion that the premises licence holder and staff are connected to criminal activity undermining all four licensing objectives.

“Although the licensing authority has not directly received any individual representations supporting either the review application or the premises, the premises licence holder has provided supplementary information. This includes a copy of a complaint letter sent to West Yorkshire Police and 14 letters in support of the licence holder and the premises.”

A lengthy letter sent by the proprietor, published by Leeds City Council onto its website, stated: “Where is this evidence, if this is the case why have we not been arrested in connections to the offence(s) that have taken place? We find this statement both defamatory and lacking in any evidence and or merit.

“The first time we were alerted to such an incident that occurred was upon review of the letter we received from the Leeds City Council.

“As we have said previously, we are not here to work against the greater good, however we have been deeply hurt by the actions the officers have taken against us. We would like this matter to be reviewed and for someone to contact us to discuss the same as a matter of urgency.”

The shop currently has permission to sell alcohol from 8am-11pm on Monday to Saturday and from 10am-10.30pm on Sundays.

Members of the committee will have to choose from five options for the premises: to modify the licence; to exclude any licensable activities to which the application relates; to remove the designated premises supervisor; to suspend the licence for up to 3 months; or to revoke the licence altogether.

The meeting will take place on Wednesday, August 18.