Residents in Wakefield have been given the opportunity to comment on a number of premises licence applications that could alter opening hours, the sale of alcohol and the provision of late-night food at locations across the district.
What’s been applied for
One of the most eye-catching proposals concerns the Yorkshire Scare Grounds on Hell Lane, where the operators have asked the council to vary their licence to allow licensable activities between 11pm and 11.30pm, seven days a week, both indoors and outdoors during the Halloween attraction season.
Other applications currently under consideration by Wakefield Council include:
- a licence to sell alcohol at a barber shop in The Arcade, Hill Top, Knottingley;
- an application for late-night refreshment at Pepe’s takeaway on Horbury Road, seeking servings after 11pm some nights;
- minor variations to the licence at The Hepworth Wakefield, including longer café opening hours and ending the requirement to use polycarbonate drinking vessels in specified external areas;
- proposed layout changes and an external bar for The Church House pub on Barnsley Road, South Kirby;
- and the renewal of a sex shop licence for Utopia in Castleford.
Key dates and how to respond
There are staggered closing dates for public comments depending on the application. The main deadlines are listed below:
| Application | Closing date for comments |
|---|---|
| Yorkshire Scare Grounds (Hell Lane) | 3 August |
| Pepe’s takeaway (Horbury Road) | 6 August |
| The Hepworth Wakefield (visitor attraction) | 7 August |
| The Church House (The Barnsley Road, South Kirby) | 11 August |
| Utopia (sex shop, Savile Road Precinct, Castleford) | 19 August |
People who wish to comment can send representations in writing to the Licensing Office, Wakefield Council, Wakefield One, PO Box 700, Burton Street, Wakefield, WF1 2EB, or by email to licensing@wakefield.gov.uk.
Why it matters locally
Changes to licences can affect noise levels, late-night activity and the availability of alcohol in neighbourhoods. The application at Yorkshire Scare Grounds is particularly notable because it would extend the hours at an outdoor attraction popular with visitors, while the Hepworth’s proposals touch on visitor experience and safety management in a cultural setting.
Licensing decisions are made with regard to public safety, prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance and protection of children from harm. The public consultation process gives local people a formal route to raise concerns or support proposals before any final determination by council licensing officers or a committee hearing.
If you have strong views about any of these applications — whether for, against or seeking conditions to be attached — the council needs to receive your written comments by the dates shown above.
This item forms part of the current batch of six applications being considered by the licensing team at Wakefield Council.
