Pepe’s Piri Piri restaurant blocked from opening until 3am in Leeds
“You have to do more than just be a good, well-run premises.”
A grilled chicken venue has been blocked from opening until 3am after the police and council opposed the move.
Fears were raised over a possible increase in anti-social behaviour and littering if Pepe’s Piri Piri in Beeston was granted extended hours.
The national fast-food chain, which does not sell alcohol, applied to Leeds City Council for a late-night refreshment licence.
Manager Abdul Qadeer said the restaurant, which currently opens until 11pm, was regularly audited by its parent company to maintain food hygiene standards.
He said: “When they come it’s an unannounced visit.”
Mr Qadeer said regular walk-arounds were carried out to inspect for pests and litter at the site. He said: “We make sure everything is cleaned throughout the day.”
Mr Qadeer also argued that the restaurant served healthy food and was enjoyed by families.
The company did not apply for alcohol sales at the venue on Beeston Road.
But West Yorkshire Police and council officers were concerned that opening later could attract street drinkers.
A licensing sub-committee heard the venue was in a Cumulative Impact Area (CIA), classed as suffering from alcohol harm and deprivation.
A report by the council’s public health team said: “The addition of a further licensed premises risks exacerbating existing health inequalities and contributing to the cumulative burden of alcohol-related harm experienced by residents and services.”
Council licensing officer Susan Duckworth said: “You have to do more than just be a good, well-run premises.
“Another premises in this area opening after 11pm would cause additional issues.”
Shahid Ali, representing the business, said a later food offering would help people who worked night shifts.
He told the hearing: “It’s not just a well-managed business. It’s a regulated and audited business. Pepe’s is a very proud brand.”
A panel of three councillors unanimously refused the licence application following the hearing at Leeds Civic Hall.