Woodlesford pizzeria gets extra drinking hours, but no live music

A decision to allow Karvani’s Italian in Church Street to increase its licensing hours around serving alcohol was taken by a committee of council licensing chiefs following a meeting last week.

But the council has revealed the approval did not include the live music permission from 7pm-9pm on Saturdays and Sundays, despite assurances from the restaurant that this would only be to allow a “continental-style” acoustic guitarist to entertain diners.

The pizzeria had wanted 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. The application also included the 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.

But 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.

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.”

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.

“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.”

The meeting, which took place on August 12, was ended with the interested parties being told they would be informed within five working days. Leeds City Council confirmed the decision today.