North Leeds Costcutter seeks to open for 24 hours

A Costcutter store in North Leeds wants permission to sell alcohol for 24 hours a day, according to documents set to be discussed by Leeds City Council.

The application, for Costcutter in Blenheim View, Woodhouse, asks to extend the time of alcohol sales for 24 hours a day, and to include late night refreshment – meaning hot drinks and food – from 11pm to 5am every day.

The council’s own environmental protection team suggested measures to prevent public nuisance.

Currently, the shop has permission to sell alcohol every day from 7am to 10pm, but applicant Thangarasa Yogarasa said the shop had already been using temporary event notices to open until midnight, as its clientèle preferred late shopping hours.

The application form also included details of CCTV, a challenge 25 policy and an alcohol delivery service planned by the shop.

But the council’s licensing department felt this was not enough, stating in a letter: “We refer to your licensing application for the above premises. We believe you have not given enough information about how you intend to meet a licensing objective, which is to prevent public nuisance.

“We therefore submit a formal objection to your application that includes information specifically associated with the premises and the area.”

It suggested the opening hours be kept to 7am-11pm.

The applicants’ original application stated: “This is an established store and the current owner has been working as a manager over year (sic) in this premises.

“This application is to open the shop for 24 hours. The premises had been opening under TENs (temporary event notices) until midnight last December. There are many local customers prefer flexible late hours.

“The premises also would like to do deliveries as future shopping trend of local people. The premises would also (be) selling toasted panini, coffee etc.”

It also listed proposed measures, including a CCTV system, with footage kept for 31 days, a challenge 25 policy and regular training for staff.

It also lists conditions of the alcohol delivery service, including an age verification policy and alcohol being delivered in a sealed package.

Leeds City Council’s licensing sub-committee will meet on 1 June to discuss.