Tackling the negative effects of the Otley Run is something we've worked hard on, both from an enforcement point of view and in shaping local Licensing laws so that new establishments are prevented from adding to the 'cumulative impact'.
There is a proposed new restaurant in Headingley where Wilkos used to be.
We've uploaded their application and crucially proposed operating schedule here:
We've pasted below the key items from their proposed operating schedule. We are keen on new restaurants opening in Headingley - it's important for families and non-Otley Runners to have nice spaces too!
We think the provisions in the operating schedule, some of which are pasted below for ease, show that they are broadly intending to run the venue as a restaurant. This is what we have lobbied for in the case of other new premises opening, such as the original proposal for 'Catch'.
However, we have decided to put in a submission asking the Licensing Sub Committee to be absolutely sure it will not add to the Otley Run.
Putting this submission in will allow us to attend the committee meeting to make these points clearly, in person. As ever we are prioritising a proactive approach to making sure our area is family friendly and has thriving local businesses.
Here is what we wrote to Entertainment Licensing:
"To the Entertainment Licensing team, we ask that the following conditions be agreed for the Licence:
Not allowed to serve Otley Runners in fancy dress
A condition that the premises must be food-led
They carry out twice daily inspections/collections of any litter around the premises - again this is a condition of their licence
These mirror the conditions recently agreed to for the proposed premises licence at 'Catch' in Headingley.
Although the bar is not in our ward, it is close by and adds to the 'cumulative impact' of the Otley Run which starts in the Far Headingley area of Weetwood ward and continues down the A660. You will know from our previous work as ward councillors with the Licensing, LASBT and neighbourhood police teams that tackling the problems on the Otley Run is a major priority for us.
In response to this campaigning, a great deal of public time and investment has gone into creating new rules (the changed PSPO, the widening of the Cumulative Impact Area), shaping new premises applications (Residence, Catch), collaborative work with local bars (including additional doorstaff), awareness raising, and most recently a huge amount of extra enforcement leading to a lot of great preventative policing.
By adding some conditions we can ensure this good work isn't undone, and that Headingley gets a new family friendly venue - always welcome."
For info - Provisions from the current proposed operating schedule
4. Substantial food and non-intoxicating beverages, including drinking water, shall be available in all parts of the premises where alcohol is sold or supplied for consumption on the premises
7. Patrons permitted to temporarily leave and then re-enter the premises, e.g. to smoke, shall not be permitted to take drinks or glass containers with them.
8. The premises shall only operate as a café/bar. Waiter/waitress service will be available to patrons at all times.
9. There must be no adult entertainment or services, activities, other entertainment or matters ancillary to the use of the premises that may give rise to concern in respect of children.
10. The sale and supply of alcohol for consumption in the area designated for external trading on the licence plan shall be restricted to alcohol consumed at tables and chairs.
11. All outside tables and chairs shall be rendered unusable after 2300 each day.
12.The primary use of the premises will be that of a restaurant/cafe.13. The supply of alcohol at the premises shall only be to a person seated at a table.
