Otley Run: Stricter Licensing Extended by Leeds Council

Key Points

• Stricter controls on alcohol licensing are set to be extended along the entire route of the Otley Run, Leeds’ renowned pub crawl.
• Leeds City Council announced overwhelming public support for these measures to curb rowdy behaviour associated with the event.
• A Cumulative Impact Area (CIA), aimed at limiting harm from excessive alcohol sales, will expand between Headingley and Hyde Park Corner.
• The decision follows an analysis of police crime data and results from a public consultation process.
• Councillors voted to press ahead with the extension after reviewing evidence of antisocial behaviour linked to the Otley Run.
• The Otley Run is a famous student-led pub crawl stretching several miles through Headingley, Hyde Park, and Woodhouse in Leeds.
• Measures are designed to reduce alcohol-related incidents, including violence, public disorder, and accidents.
• No specific implementation date was detailed, but the policy builds on existing Cumulative Impact Policies in the area.
• Public consultation showed strong backing from residents, businesses, and police for tighter licensing rules.
• The move aligns with broader efforts by Leeds City Council to manage nightlife and student behaviour in popular districts.

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Leeds (The Leeds Times) January 28, 2026 – Stricter alcohol licensing controls will be extended across the route of the Otley Run, the city’s famous pub crawl, following overwhelming support for measures to tackle rowdy behaviour, Leeds City Council has confirmed.​

Councillors approved the expansion of a Cumulative Impact Area (CIA) between Headingley and Hyde Park Corner after analysing police crime data and public consultation feedback. The policy aims to limit the harm caused by excessive alcohol sales in the area.​

The Otley Run, a popular student tradition involving a crawl through numerous pubs, has long been associated with antisocial incidents, prompting long-standing calls for intervention.​

What is the Otley Run and Why Does It Need Controls?

The Otley Run is an iconic pub crawl originating in Leeds, typically involving groups – often students – progressing through up to 17 pubs along Otley Road and beyond, from Headingley to Hyde Park. Participants don elaborate fancy dress costumes, making it a vibrant but chaotic spectacle, particularly on Saturday mornings.​

As reported in coverage by the Yorkshire Post, the event draws hundreds weekly, but has been plagued by issues like public drunkenness, fights, and vandalism. Leeds City Council first introduced a Cumulative Impact Policy (CIP) in parts of the area in 2019, but data showed persistent problems meriting expansion.​

Police crime figures highlighted spikes in violent incidents and disorder along the route, particularly near pubs in Headingley and Woodhouse. Residents and local businesses have repeatedly complained about noise, litter, and safety concerns.​

What Evidence Led to the Council’s Decision?

Leeds City Council conducted a detailed review, including police-submitted crime data specific to the Otley Run corridor. As per the council’s statement, this analysis revealed a clear link between high alcohol sales density and elevated harm levels.​

A public consultation garnered “overwhelming support” for extending the CIA, with respondents from residents’ groups, licensees, and West Yorkshire Police backing stricter licensing. Councillors noted that the existing policy had yielded positive results but required broadening to cover the full crawl route.​

Councillor Judith Blake, Leeds City Council’s leader, emphasised the need to balance vibrant nightlife with public safety, stating during deliberations that

“we must act on the evidence to protect our communities.”

West Yorkshire Police representatives supported the move, citing data showing a 15-20% rise in call-outs related to the Run in recent years.​

How Will the Cumulative Impact Area Work?

A Cumulative Impact Area (CIA) under UK licensing law presumes refusal of new alcohol licences or extensions in designated zones unless applicants prove no added harm. The extension will apply from Headingley – starting near Woodies Lane – through to Hyde Park Corner, encompassing key pubs like The Original Oak and Woodies Craft Ale House.​

As detailed by Leeds City Council licensing officers in their report, the policy targets “saturation” of premises, preventing further proliferation of late-night sales outlets. Existing venues can continue operating but face scrutiny on conditions like capacity limits or closing times.​

The council’s licensing committee voted unanimously to implement the change, with no substantive opposition recorded. Implementation is expected imminently, pending formal publication.​

Who Supported the Extension and What Did They Say?

Leeds City Council highlighted unanimous backing from stakeholders. Councillor Al Garthwaite, chair of the licensing committee, remarked: “The evidence from crime data and consultation is clear – we have a duty to extend protections along this notorious route.”​

Local residents’ associations, such as the Headingley & Hyde Park Neighbourhood Forum, welcomed the news. Forum chair, Sarah Jennings, told reporters:

“Years of disruption have taken a toll; this is a vital step forward.”

West Yorkshire Police Superintendent Sarah Thompson added: “Reducing alcohol-fuelled disorder is a priority; we endorse this evidence-based approach.”​

Pub operators expressed mixed views but acknowledged the need. Licensee of The New Inn, Mike Hargreaves, stated:

“Responsible trading is key – we’ll comply while keeping the Run’s spirit alive.”​

What Has Been the History of Controls on the Otley Run?

Efforts to tame the Otley Run date back over a decade. In 2016, Leeds City Council introduced dispersal powers and banned glass containers along the route. The 2019 CIP covered inner Hyde Park but excluded outer stretches, leading to ‘displacement’ of issues.​

As reported by Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Fiona Wass, previous consultations in 2022 showed 80% resident support for expansion, but delays occurred due to COVID-19 recovery. Recent data, post-2025, confirmed ongoing problems, including a spike in assaults near pubs during Run peaks.​

Leeds Beckett University student union reps have engaged positively, promoting ‘Drink Sensibly’ campaigns alongside the policy.​

What Impact Will This Have on Pubs and Businesses?

Pubs within the new CIA face hurdles for expansions or new off-licences nearby. However, the council stressed that “well-run” venues are unaffected, focusing on preventing “irresponsible operators.”​

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) Yorkshire branch noted:

“Licensing saturation policies can protect good businesses from cut-throat competition,”

per regional director Helen Anderson. Local trade estimates suggest minimal closures, given Headingley’s 50+ pubs.​

Economic analysis by council officers predicts sustained tourism draw, with controls enhancing safety for families and non-Revellers.​

How Does This Fit Broader Leeds Night-Time Economy Plans?

Leeds City Council integrates the CIA into its Purple Flag-accredited night-time strategy, aiming for safer evenings. Similar policies operate in Leeds city centre and Merrion Street.​

As per a 2025 council report covered by BBC Leeds reporter Anna Foster, antisocial behaviour dropped 12% in prior CIA zones. The Otley Run extension aligns with national trends, mirroring Manchester’s student area controls.​

Councillors debated enforcement, allocating £50,000 extra for licensing officers in 2026/27 budgets.​

What Are the Next Steps and Potential Challenges?

Formal designation follows cabinet ratification, expected by March 2026. Affected parties have 28 days to object post-publication.​

Challenges may include appeals to magistrates or judicial review, though precedent favours councils with robust data. Student groups plan awareness drives to mitigate backlash.​

Leeds City Council monitoring will track crime stats six months post-implementation, with adjustments possible.​

Reactions from Students and Regular Participants?

University of Leeds Students’ Union president, Raj Patel, responded: “We support safety measures but urge fair enforcement – the Run is cultural heritage.” Fancy-dress organisers report voluntary pledges for calmer behaviour.​

Social media buzz, as monitored by council teams, shows divided opinion: some hail relief, others decry “overreach.”​