Bar licence revoked following ‘multiple breaches’ of COVID-19 regulations

The premises licence of a Leeds bar has been revoked following multiple breaches of the COVID-19 regulations and licensing conditions.

Leeds City Council’s Entertainment Licensing Enforcement Team took action against Bob’s Bar and Grill.

The team worked with West Yorkshire Police to present what it said was “overwhelming evidence” of breaches to a licensing sub-committee, which ultimately withdrew the license.

The council says it had been liaising with the venue owner and premises licence holder, Mr Asfaha, since January 2020 regarding the premises CCTV not being compliant with the licence conditions.

This came about after a number of public complaints were made to the council that the premises was operating outside permitted hours as well as loud music being played.

Evidence was also presented to the licensing sub-committee by West Yorkshire Police, relating to repeated breaches of coronavirus restrictions.

These included the police finding 17 people on the premises at 1.30 am on 15 June 2020 during the initial lockdown period.

The licensing committee says it recognised the severity of revoking the premises licence, but added it was left with little option due to repeated breaches of both COVID-19 regulations and licensing conditions.

A Leeds City council spokesman said: “It is crucial that bars and restaurants within the Leeds area are aware of the various licencing conditions as well as continuing to operate within the Covid-19 regulations.

“Whilst the council continues to support the reopening of the hospitality sector across Leeds, it is important the sector does so in a safe and Covid secure manner.

“This successful action by the council will help protect bars and restaurants as well as residents who continue to follow COVID-19 regulations.”