Taps extension angers local Councillor (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Taps extension angers local Councillor

June 20, 2006 9:31 PM

The Headingley Taps on North Lane, has been granted a licence to sell booze into the early hours, six days a week. News that brewery giants Bass have succeeded in their appeal to get an extension of hours for the pub has been condemned by local Councillor James Monaghan. The licence has been granted on appeal to the Magistrates Court after Leeds City Council refused to extend their drinking licence last year. Cllr James Monaghan has described the announcement as a kick in the teeth for the local community.

Councillor James Monaghan (Lib Dem, Headingley) said "To be honest the decision to grant the Taps this opening extension is a real blow. When you consider that Headingley is an area subject to the Council's cumulative impact policy which is intended to stop this sort of application, it's amazing that the Magistrates Court have effectively overturned this policy."

Councillor Monaghan added "The government may claim that the Council now calls the shots on licensing, but in the end it is the unelected, unaccountable Magistrates that have had the final say."