Blayds Bar in Leeds triumphs over licensing challenges thanks to Levi Solicitors.
- Leeds City Council’s ‘Red Zone’ typically obstructs new licence approvals due to public order concerns.
- Blayds Bar, an LGBTQ+ venue, faced possible closure after a licence lapse.
- Support from the community and Levi Solicitors played a crucial role in the licence approval.
- The decision reflects Blayds Bar’s positive community impact and reliable management record.
In a significant achievement, Levi Solicitors has successfully secured a new premises licence for Blayds Bar, a well-known LGBTQ+ venue in Leeds, despite its placement within the city’s stringent ‘Red Zone’. This area is recognised by Leeds City Council as saturated with licensed establishments, and typically new applications are denied to prevent potential disruptions to public safety and order.
Blayds Bar found itself at risk of closure following the lapse of its previous licence, an outcome of administrative changes necessitated by the unfortunate passing of the owner’s husband. For over 18 years, Blayds Bar has been an integral part of Leeds’ vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife. The venue had to rely on temporary event notices to remain operational as it navigated the licensing challenge.
The application for a new licence was robustly supported by the legal representation of Levi Solicitors and gathered significant community backing. Approximately 30 individuals attended a recent council hearing, accompanied by a petition endorsing Blayds Bar’s licensing needs, which amassed nearly 3,000 signatures.
The Leeds City Council, ultimately persuaded by both the significant community support and the venue’s commendable management history, granted the licence. Duncan McCallum, the owner, along with his team, was lauded for Blayds Bar’s contribution to the community.
Ed Smith, a partner at Levi Solicitors, played a pivotal role in the hearing, representing Blayds Bar and advocating for its indispensable role within the community. Smith expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I am delighted to have supported Duncan and Blayds in this application. It is clear from the amount of support that Blayds has received and Duncan’s impeccable record as an operator that the Committee have made the right decision.”
The approval of Blayds Bar’s new premises licence underscores its indispensable community role and exemplary management.
