Plans for Leeds Wetherspoon to let in Otley Run pub crawlers 'might stop people peeing in the street'

A Wetherspoons pub in Headingley is reported to be considering asking permission to allow Otley Run pub crawl drinkers into the premises.

At the moment The Golden Beam has a condition on its licence which means it cannot allow in people doing the infamous Otley Run. That could be about to change - and not everyone is happy with the idea.

Critics say the change will damage the dining experience in The Golden Beam, and make it less attractive to those wanting a quiet pint and/or a drink. But others have pointed out that allowing Otley Run punters, it might cut down on the incidents of people urinating in the street and in people's gardens.

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Two local councillors are now inviting local residents to attend a meeting at the pub on Monday, June 24 to discuss the plans. In a post on social media, Labour councillors Abdul Hannan and Jonathan Pryor, who represent Headingley and Hyde Park, said the meeting would be a chance for Wetherspoons to talk about the plans.

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The statement said: "The Golden Beam currently has a condition on their license which means they can’t allow people in who are on the Otley Run. This was to ensure that the venue remained predominantly food-led, and with more seated drinking rather than standing.

"Wetherspoons have indicated that they are considering applying for a change to their license to allow people on the Otley Run into the venue. While no application has yet been submitted, we have spoken with the management and a meeting will be held between interested residents and Wetherspoons for them to talk about their plans and as an opportunity for residents to ask questions."

The meeting will be on Monday June 24, 7pm, in The Golden Beam. Locals took to social media to comment on the possible proposals.

One woman said: "Lovely...another place to avoid on a Saturday."

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Another woman added: "Oh no. The only reason I go here is because Otley Run-goers are banned."

One woman posted: "Maybe this would give people somewhere to go to the toilet rather than using people’s gardens on the long stretch between the Oak and Hyde Park.

"The Otley Run has been going for years and years and I am in favour of it remaining. We just need to make sure we invest in toilets and policing to make sure everyone is safe."

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gerson said: "Currently the pub has to deal with turning away a large number of people and it is felt that it would be better to accommodate them in the pub.

"The pub is large, is fully covered by CCTV , has extensive toilet facilities, has no music and offers a full menu until the late evening.

"We have shared our plan with the local ward councillors , police and Leeds City Council’s licensing team and look forward to discussing it with our neighbours at our regular meeting with them this evening."