Residents split on plans for another alcohol venue

Plans to open another alcohol venue in one of Leeds' most vibrant neighbourhoods have divided locals.

Hospitality chain Loungers has applied to Leeds City Council for an alcohol licence at the site of the former Wilko store at Headingley Central on Otley Road.

Local councillors want the licence to allow alcohol sales only with a meal, and to prohibit the venue from serving people on the Otley Run bar crawl.

A Loungers spokesperson told the BBC: "Appropriate conditions, including conditions that relate to the Otley Run, are being discussed with councillors and council representatives."

The company's application states the venue would be a restaurant/cafe, although a spokesperson declined to comment on whether it would welcome Otley Runners.

The divisive bar crawl, consisting of 19 stops, has seen Headingley likened to Magaluf.

Under the terms of Loungers' proposed licence, alcohol could be served between 10:00 and 23:00 from Sunday to Thursday, and between 10:00 and 00:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Headingley and Hyde Park councillor Abdul Hannan said he would object to the licence being granted unless stricter conditions were imposed.

He said there were "enough establishments now serving alcohol and it's causing issues with the Otley Run".

Hannan said the long-running bar crawl had become too big, with one local resident telling him they counted 3,000 people taking part over a recent weekend.

"It's getting to a stage where it's attracting people from all over the country," he said.

"We are trying to create a balance for local residents and businesses.

"It comes to a stage where we need to look at what's actually working and what's not."

The Labour councillor insisted he was not taking an "anti-business" stance, with the unit in the centre of Headingley currently vacant.

"We are still saying we need a business, but it needs to work for everybody."

Hannan's views were not shared by those the BBC spoke to in Headingley.

Students Louis Bristol and Alfie Oliver were familiar with the Otley Run, having taken part on several occasions, with Mr Oliver claiming it to be "one of the best days out in Leeds".

The business management and law student said he would have "no complaints" if another venue serving alcohol was to open in Headingley, but did admit "you can only have so many" stop-offs on the bar crawl.

"People will still come even if it's just another bar," added business management and marketing student Mr Bristol.

Andrew Mountain, who has lived in Headingley for 26 years, said while it "doesn't need another bar, I'm not offended if there is another".

"The nightlife is incredible with all the students."

Mr Mountain lives on Shaw Lane, just off Otley Road.

He said he could understand why some people living on Otley Road might be against another venue opening in the centre of Headingley, but was personally "OK" with the bar crawl.

"It's just good fun with the students. It's changed a bit with the stag parties, rugby clubs and football team end-of-season do's, that's got a bit more edgy.

"But it's nothing that really concerns me."

Janet Meakin said she had no problems with the Otley Run, but cast doubt over whether Headingley needed another hospitality venue.

"There's quite a few around here. I can't see how it would make a profit, not amongst all the rest of them.

"Everything that closes they turn into a bar."

Ms Meakin, 65, who lives in neighbouring Meanwood, said Headingley's shops, restaurants and bars often suffered when students left at the end of each term.

"Locals don't tend to come in as much as the students do," she said.

"Most of them are my age and older, they need to sit down if there's lots of students pushing at the bar."

A decision on the licensing application is expected in the coming months.

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