Locals oppose bid by Otley Run shop for 24/7 alcohol licence

Residents have objected to an off-licence near a popular West Yorkshire pub crawl applying for a 24/7 alcohol licence.

It is feared that if a Nisa Local shop in Headingley, close to the notorious Otley Run, is allowed to sell alcohol after midnight it would lead to rowdy student parties and “friction” between families and the area’s younger residents.

However, the shop said there is “no evidence” which links anti-social drinking to the premises, according to Leeds Council.

Nisa was told it would receive a decision within five days, following a hearing at Leeds Civic Hall on 13 May.

The Otley Run is a 19-stop pub crawl finishing in the city centre which draws thousands of revellers every weekend, including many students.

However, last month a man injured two women with a crossbow along the Headingley drinking route, raising questions about the event’s safety.

The man, 38-year-old Owen Lawrence, was arrested and taken to hospital but later died from a self-inflicted injury.

Eight letters of objection have been received by the council about the Nisa store’s application to extend its licencing laws, alongside concerns raised by West Yorkshire Police, ward councillors and public health officials, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The shop has maintained the 24/7 licence would not add to anti-social behaviour on the pub crawl, and a list of proposed conditions, if granted, included a ‘check 25’ policy, CCTV and staff training.

Nonetheless, the council’s licensing officer, Susan Duckworth, remains unconvinced: “I’m concerned that if this premises was allowed to sell alcohol after midnight, that would become an emerging problem.”

Mrs Duckworth also pointed out that more families had been moving to Headingley, with more student accommodation opening up in the city centre, exacerbating her concerns over any increased access to alcohol.

Nisa’s existing premises licence allows alcohol sales between 05:00 and 00:00.

Residents previously told the BBC they hoped the Otley Run might become a “recognised” event to better protect those taking part.

Acknowledging the burgeoning popularity of the event, MP for Leeds Central and Headingley Alex Sobel said: “We need to look at the laws we have and tightening them, bringing more control to the Otley Run.”

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