Headingley locals are concerned that proposed stadium licensing changes will mean that “people will be out making noise ’til all hours.”
The new licensing change would see the stadium being able to serve alcohol and play live and recorded music until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. It would also see an increase of capacity from under 20,000 to 26,000 for music events.
The application has received a lot of backlash from locals. Members of the Ash Road Area Residents Association (ARARA) have come together to make a formal complaint to the council about variations to Headingley Stadium’s licence.
Residents worry that this will cause an increase in anti-social behaviour in the area and have a negative affect on their everyday lives.
Concerns about previous events such as boxing matches and the “entitled” way attendees acted were expressed by the co-chairs of the ARARA, as an example of why licensing should not be extended.
Billy, a resident of Derwentwater Grove, said: “The problem is they’ll be coming out into our street until past midnight. There are families here and people have to get up early.”
“If they’re allowed to do it everywhere else is going to say ‘well why not us’ and then they’ll all be open. People will be out making noise ’til all hours.”
Source: Alison Adair | All Rights ReservedAnti-social behaviour has been an ongoing issue in the Headingley and Hyde Park area and the West Yorkshire police have stated that regular patrols are being carried out.
They have also made road safety in the area a priority, especially on match days, and residents are concerned the new licence will cause further issues.
Residents argue that other venues like the First Direct Arena “have appropriate noise and traffic management plans in place. This is not the case for Headingley.”
The ARARA have said: “the late time of leaving will mean that public transport is no longer available which will worsen the existing parking problems and presumably increase the risk of drink driving.”
Residents also believe the council has not made enough of an effort in keeping them up to date with what is happening in the area.
Jim Harrison said: “The council tells us nothing. The landlords, the brewers, they have too much power. They forget about the residents because of all the landlords taking over but we’re here.”
“It seems like any time someone applies for an alcohol licence they get it. Like with the Otley run on a Saturday the place is just rammed with drunk people.”
The licensing sub-committee will meet on 14 October and the Report of the Chief Officer Elections and Regulatory John Mulachy will advise councillors on the application.
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