Grant a new Premises License to Save Blayds Bar from Closure
Grant a new Premises License to Save Blayds Bar from Closure
The Issue
Blayds Bar, one of the oldest LGBT+ bars in Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK, is under significant threat of closure unless a new premises licence is granted by the council.
Currently, the council’s licensing team has objected to the application from Blayds Bar, citing concerns over alcohol-related crime and disorder in the area despite Leeds City Council receiving 47 letters of support. The venue is within the council's “red zone” which is subject to tougher licensing rules.
In a letter to the applicant, the council said: “The area in which the site sits is recognised as an area suffering from the density of licensed premises.
In an economy already suffering from the effects of austerity and tightened purses, we don’t believe restrictions placed on a venue generating income and aiding the night time economy are in any way beneficial. We do not feel that this venue - which has already been here for over 20 years - is causing any “suffering” as it is not adding to the density of venues. Patrons report there being a lack of trouble at the venue, and feeling safe there.
Its potential closure stands to adversely affect numerous stakeholders, including staff who face job loss, suppliers whose businesses depend on the bar's operation, and the local community that uses its space on the first floor for events and meetings (something that is very hard to find in Leeds for free).
As LGBT+ hate crime is on the rise, it is critical venues such as Blayds Bar continue to offer safe spaces for the community.
https://www.statista.com/chart/30011/hate-crimes-against-lgbtq-people-in-england-and-wales/
We urge the licensing authority and Leeds City Council to consider the profound implications of this closure, and to grant Blayds Bar a new premises licence. This is not just about saving a local business; it's about preserving our past, present and future LGBT+ history, supporting the local economy, and maintaining a diverse and inclusive community, where those of minority genders and sexualities feel safe. Sign this petition and show your support for Blayds Bar, its employees, and the wider community it serves in West Yorkshire.
We think this quote from one of our community sums up why Blayds Bar is so important. "When I moved to Call Lane in 2008 and ventured out to Blayds on my own. Duncan and his partner made me feel so welcome there and I was always grateful to them for that."
Licence application Number: PREM/05387/001
Details in the press
Important dates
01/10/24. Meeting with licensing sub-group, 10am Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR. MEETING IS PUBLIC. ANYONE CAN ATTEND
The Issue
Blayds Bar, one of the oldest LGBT+ bars in Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK, is under significant threat of closure unless a new premises licence is granted by the council.
Currently, the council’s licensing team has objected to the application from Blayds Bar, citing concerns over alcohol-related crime and disorder in the area despite Leeds City Council receiving 47 letters of support. The venue is within the council's “red zone” which is subject to tougher licensing rules.
In a letter to the applicant, the council said: “The area in which the site sits is recognised as an area suffering from the density of licensed premises.
In an economy already suffering from the effects of austerity and tightened purses, we don’t believe restrictions placed on a venue generating income and aiding the night time economy are in any way beneficial. We do not feel that this venue - which has already been here for over 20 years - is causing any “suffering” as it is not adding to the density of venues. Patrons report there being a lack of trouble at the venue, and feeling safe there.
Its potential closure stands to adversely affect numerous stakeholders, including staff who face job loss, suppliers whose businesses depend on the bar's operation, and the local community that uses its space on the first floor for events and meetings (something that is very hard to find in Leeds for free).
As LGBT+ hate crime is on the rise, it is critical venues such as Blayds Bar continue to offer safe spaces for the community.
https://www.statista.com/chart/30011/hate-crimes-against-lgbtq-people-in-england-and-wales/
We urge the licensing authority and Leeds City Council to consider the profound implications of this closure, and to grant Blayds Bar a new premises licence. This is not just about saving a local business; it's about preserving our past, present and future LGBT+ history, supporting the local economy, and maintaining a diverse and inclusive community, where those of minority genders and sexualities feel safe. Sign this petition and show your support for Blayds Bar, its employees, and the wider community it serves in West Yorkshire.
We think this quote from one of our community sums up why Blayds Bar is so important. "When I moved to Call Lane in 2008 and ventured out to Blayds on my own. Duncan and his partner made me feel so welcome there and I was always grateful to them for that."
Licence application Number: PREM/05387/001
Details in the press
Important dates
01/10/24. Meeting with licensing sub-group, 10am Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR. MEETING IS PUBLIC. ANYONE CAN ATTEND
Victory
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Petition created on 25 September 2024