Leeds city centre is renowned for being a hub for hen dos, quirky bars, and late night fun. But recently it has become more apparent that behind the rose tinted glasses there has been a string of "unacceptable" criminal and anti-social activity.
A number of businesses and residents have raised concerns with Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police (WYP) about underage punters causing a nuisance, and "serious" criminal behaviour in Hirst's Yard and surrounding areas. "I've always been scared to go down that alley way", one resident said.
Hirst's Yard is home to Space, Mook, and platinum selling artist Tom Zanetti's bar Doll House. Last week, on October 28, Leeds City Council announced a partial closure has been implemented in the area, banning anyone aged 17 and under from being in the area.
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The order granted by Leeds Magistrates Court is a partial closure order that has been issued for the area behind Duncan Street, Call Lane and Briggate until January 6, 2023. Anyone who breaches these restrictions will be asked to leave the area or be arrested.
A WYP spokesperson confirmed to Leeds Live earlier today that police will also "continue to patrol the area", more often than before. Some businesses have shared that they have already noticed a change since the ban has been implemented, and "hope" the change lasts.
The news of the ban also comes after the announcement a new bar The End opening soon in Hirst's Yard soon. We spoke to a number of businesses and residents, who shared how they have been impacted by the ongoing anti-social behaviour, and their thoughts on the new ban.
One 25-year-old Leeds resident said: "I come down Call Lane a lot and there is always police here, there's always someone getting taking into the back of police van for misbehaving. They [the police] are good at dealing with it but more needs to happen before things go too far rather than after the damage is already done. I think the ban is a good thing."
64-year-old resident Fred added: "You see the youngens messing about around here all the time. I come near here every day and they just want to cause trouble, steal things, or cause a nuisance, or start fights."
"I've always been scared to go down that alley way," student Amber added. Peter, the manager of Power, Lies, and Corruption, shared his thoughts. The bar's front is in Call Lane and the back leads into Hirst's Yard.
He said: "‘It’s been a lot better since the ban has come in. Now there are a lot more police in the area, especially on a weekend, so it is better."
A staff member at Oporto in Call Lane, who wishes to remain unnamed, said: "I hadn't heard much about the ban, since it has come in I haven't noticed much of a difference, no."
Lee, manager at Roland's bar in Call Lane, said he believes the ban should be implement across all areas in the city where all hospitality venues are. He has worked across the city for many years, and in different bars and restaurants, and said the ongoing anti-social has been this bad "for years".
"Hirst Yard’s get a bad rep when it is happening all over Leeds. If you walk down one street there’s guys in hoodies and on bikes you know.
"If you go anywhere in Leeds it’s a problem at the moment, it isn’t just in this area it’s all over. In my view wherever there is bars and restaurants or somewhere for people to congregate, it happens.
"I generally do just see people being drunk or whatever here. I think police just need to patrol the area more."
Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive member with responsibility for Safer Leeds, said: "We have seen too many unacceptable incidents of anti-social behaviour and crimes against both people and property. This Order is as a result of our joint community safety work in the night time economy as we are determined to ensure that people visiting the city centre are safe, and feel safe."
Inspector Pat Kenning of the Leeds South NPT, said: "We have been working closely with Leeds Council to put in place measures to restrict the Hirst’s Yard area to those who are under age and welcome this partial closure order. It will block access to Hirst’s Yard to those aged 17 and under between the hours of 8pm and 7am, and has been put in place following close consultation with businesses there.
"Helping them restrict entrance to people under a legal drinking age can only be a good thing for businesses and customers by reducing the potential for incidents such as anti-social behaviour. The NPT remains committed to helping those using the night-time economy to do so safely in the Hirst’s Yard area and in the wider city centre."
Breaches can be reported to West Yorkshire Police on 101, via the West Yorkshire Police website. Call 999 in an emergency, or where there is a threat to life.
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