Golden Beam Licence application

It's an Otley Run heavy newsletter today. Sorry about that!

The Golden Beam (Wetherspoons) have applied for a change to their licence, to enable them to have Otley Runners.

We are supporting the objection written by Headingley Councillors Jonathan Pryor and Abdul Hannan, also supported by Alex Sobel MP.

Please do give it a read. We've also shared The Golden Beam's application underneath. Please consider sharing your own views - for or against, all views and experiences are warmly welcomed. You can simply email Entertainment.Licen@leeds.gov.uk

The deadline to respond is the 21st of November.

"We write to formally object to the proposed permanent variation of the alcohol licence for The Golden Beam, which would allow participation in the Otley Run.

Removing this clause would not be in the spirit of the original licensing agreement granted in 2020, and would undermine the decision made by the licensing sub-committee at that time. The condition prohibiting Otley Run groups was introduced as a vital protection following significant public concern - and it must not be undone.

Furthermore, recent licensing decisions have imposed restrictions on smaller independent venues along the Otley Run route, citing the cumulative impact of anti-social behaviour. It would be inconsistent and inequitable to now allow participation for a venue significantly larger in scale and capacity.

The Golden Beam has used Temporary Event Notices (TENs) to allow Otley Runners entry on five occasions this autumn, effectively conducting an informal trial. While some evidence may be presented from these five days, it is important to note that this application represents a 7,200% increase in the number of days Otley Runners would be permitted annually. We do not believe such a limited trial can reasonably be used to justify a permanent change.

We object on the grounds of the four statutory licensing objectives:

1. Prevention of Crime and Disorder

Residents have reported assaults, fights, sexual harassment, and intimidation linked to the Otley Run - often in broad daylight. Since 2018, we have secured additional funding for local policing specifically to manage Otley Run-related disorder. This funding has come at the expense of other local priorities and is not unlimited. Expanding the Otley Run’s capacity would further strain police resources and reduce their ability to respond effectively.

2. Public Safety

The route between the Original Oak and Hyde Park is a long, busy stretch of road. By the time participants reach the Golden Beam, they will likely have visited ten venues and be heavily intoxicated. We have seen individuals staggering into traffic, obstructing cycle lanes, and endangering themselves and others. Including the Golden Beam would increase roadside movement and heighten the risk of serious accidents.

3. Prevention of Public Nuisance

Weekends in Headingley have become unrecognisable. Families avoid the high street. Residents wake to broken glass, vomit, and litter. Local businesses report declining weekend trade as non-Otley Runners stay away. Vulnerable adults in supported housing are mocked and shoved. Children are exposed to indecent behaviour and foul language. The Golden Beam is currently a rare refuge from this disruption - its inclusion would remove a safe space for many in our community.

4. Protection of Children from Harm

Parents have told us they no longer allow their children to walk through Headingley on weekends. Young people have witnessed public urination, defecation, and sexual comments. The expansion of the Otley Run into the Golden Beam would further erode the safety and dignity of our public spaces.

This is not just about one pub - it is about the kind of community we want to be. Headingley is a vibrant, diverse neighbourhood, home to families, students, older residents, and vulnerable groups. The Otley Run has overwhelmed our area. We cannot afford to lose the Golden Beam as a safe, inclusive venue.

We urge the committee to uphold the original licensing condition and reject this application in full."