Local Residents Divided Over Proposal for New Alcohol Establishment

A proposal for an additional alcohol establishment in a lively Leeds district has generated differing opinions among residents. The hospitality group Loungers submitted an application to Leeds City Council seeking an alcohol licence for the premises previously occupied by the Wilko store at Headingley Central, situated on Otley Road. Local elected officials are advocating for the licence to restrict alcohol sales to patrons ordering meals and to prevent the establishment from serving individuals participating in the Otley Run bar crawl. A spokesperson for Loungers informed the BBC that “Appropriate conditions, including conditions that relate to the Otley Run, are being discussed with councillors and council representatives.” Loungers’ application describes the proposed location as a restaurant/cafe; however, a company representative chose not to comment on whether Otley Runners would be permitted entry. The controversial bar crawl, which involves 19 different stops, has led to comparisons between Headingley and Magaluf. The conditions of Loungers’ suggested licence would permit alcohol service from 10:00 to 23:00, Sunday through Thursday, and from 10:00 to 00:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Abdul Hannan, a councillor for Headingley and Hyde Park, indicated his opposition to the licence approval unless more stringent conditions were implemented. He stated that there were “enough establishments now serving alcohol and it’s causing issues with the Otley Run”. Hannan commented that the long-established bar crawl had grown excessively large, citing a local resident who reported observing 3,000 participants during a recent weekend. He remarked, “It’s getting to a stage where it’s attracting people from all over the country.” He added, “We are trying to create a balance for local residents and businesses.” Concluding, he stated, “It comes to a stage where we need to look at what’s actually working and what’s not.” The Labour councillor maintained that his position was not “anti-business,” noting that the premises in central Headingley are presently unoccupied. He asserted, “We are still saying we need a business, but it needs to work for everybody.” The opinions expressed by Hannan did not align with those encountered by the BBC in Headingley. Students Louis Bristol and Alfie Oliver were well-acquainted with the Otley Run, having participated multiple times, with Mr Oliver describing it as “one of the best days out in Leeds”. The business management and law student indicated he would have “no complaints” regarding the opening of an additional alcohol-serving establishment in Headingley, though he conceded that “you can only have so many” stops on the bar crawl. Mr Bristol, a business management and marketing student, further commented, “People will still come even if it’s just another bar.” Andrew Mountain, a Headingley resident for 26 years, remarked that while the area “doesn’t need another bar, I’m not offended if there is another.” He added, “The nightlife is incredible with all the students.” Mr Mountain resides on Shaw Lane, adjacent to Otley Road. He expressed understanding for why some residents on Otley Road might oppose a new venue in central Headingley, but personally found the bar crawl “OK”. He elaborated, “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.” He concluded, “But it’s nothing that really concerns me.” Janet Meakin stated she had no issues with the Otley Run, but questioned the necessity of another hospitality establishment in Headingley. She commented, “There’s quite a few around here. I can’t see how it would make a profit, not amongst all the rest of them.” She also observed, “Everything that closes they turn into a bar.” Ms Meakin, 65, a resident of nearby Meanwood, noted that Headingley’s retail outlets, eateries, and pubs frequently experience a downturn when students depart at the conclusion of each academic term. She remarked, “Locals don’t tend to come in as much as the students do,” adding, “Most of them are my age and older, they need to sit down if there’s lots of students pushing at the bar.” A determination regarding the licensing application is anticipated within the next few months.