The owner of a petrol station in Leeds has been granted a licence to sell alcohol, despite opposition from some councillors concerned that it will attract troublemakers.
Leeds City Council’s licensing sub committee approved the application for Kai Seelig to be allowed to sell alcohol at the Shell Garage on Harrogate Road in Moortown.
Seelig had wanted a licence to sell alcohol 24 hours a day, but members decided to restrict his selling times to between 5am and 11pm, seven days a week. He will also be allowed to sell refreshments between 11pm and 5am.
Councillor Dan Cohen, who opposed granting the alcohol licence, told local press: “I am extremely disappointed with this decision.
“This particular garage has suffered from people gathering outside and engaging in various forms of anti-social behaviour and illegal activity.
“I objected on the grounds that granting this licencing application would make the situation worse, leading to increased noise and nuisance in this quiet residential area.”
He added: “As ward councillors we will be keeping a very close eye on how the situation develops and the impact of this new licence on the area.
“We would also encourage local people with concerns to get in touch with us so that we can gauge whether the situation deteriorates.”
All members of staff working at the store – which operates six filling pumps – are trained in the Challenge 25 scheme, asked to keep a refusals log and operate a closed door policy between 11pm and 5am when they trade through a hatch.
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