Nervy wait for Woodlesford pizzeria over alcohol licence

A pizzeria in Woodlesford will have to wait to find out whether it has permission to serve alcohol until 11.30pm on weekends.
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A decision on whether to allow Karvani’s Italian in Church Street to increase its licensing hours around serving alcohol and live music was set to be taken by a committee of council licensing chiefs today.

But, following lengthy discussions between panel members, the applicant and a disgruntled local resident, it was decided a public announcement would not be made at the end of the meeting, and interested parties would instead be informed of the decision within five working days.

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The pizzeria wants to extend its sale of alcohol permission to 5pm-11pm on Mondays to Thursdays; 4.30pm-11.30pm on Fridays; noon-11.30pm on Saturdays and 2.30pm-10.30pm on Sundays.

Karvani's Pizzeria in Woodlesford.Karvani's Pizzeria in Woodlesford.
Karvani's Pizzeria in Woodlesford.

Its application also includes a request to allow live music on Saturday and Sunday from 7pm-9pm.

A nearby resident claimed live music could attract groups of youths outside the premises, while the extra licensing hours would increase the risk of noise and litter problems. He also insisted other nearby residents supported his view, despite his being the only official objection to the plans.

Edward Smith, representing Mr Karvani, claimed the live music permission being applied for was to allow a “solo, continental-style guitarist”, rather than bands with amplified music.

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He added: “My client will be offering CCTV at the premises. There will be a condition to say no drinks will be allowed (outside) the premises.

“There will be no audible noise from licensable activities at the nearest sensitive premises.”

He added Mr Karvani had had no history “whatsoever” of trouble with West Yorkshire Police or council environmental health officers.

Responding to claims that live music would attract youths loitering outside the restaurant, Mr Smith reiterated: “With respect, an acoustic, continental-style guitarist won’t lead to youths congregating outside the premises.”

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On claims it was a quiet residential area, Mr Smith said: “This is a property that is on the main road. There are other premises and a train station nearby.”

Objecting to the proposals, local resident Paul Golden said: “This is a very rosy picture being painted. Up to now we have been reasonably tolerant of the cars being parked. It is not only me who is not happy about this, there are other residents.

“The music, they say is going to be one person playing a guitar – are they able to change that or is it just for one lady or one man playing a guitar?

“There are so many holes in the health and safety plans – it needs reassessing.

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Sale of alcohol would be to tables. They also say you can have a drink in the takeaway section – do we know that people won’t drink on the pavements?

“The indication is that I’m the only protester, but I am not.”

Leeds City Council has been approached to confirm what decision had been made.