Residents in Leeds have been reacting to the news about the famous Otley Run pub crawl. The Otley Run has become famous, or infamous some people's eyes, it's an 18 bar crawl through Headingley and into the city centre of Leeds.
Every week students, hen and stag parties, and sports fans take part in the crawl. The aim of it is to have a pint in every one, ticking them off as you go and seeing if you can make it.
18 pints or 18 alcoholic drinks is no small feat however, with the addition of fancy dress it can be a somewhat chaotic experience. Local residents and businesses have been airing their concerns over what the run brings, with many saying that there has been a rise in anti-social behaviour.
Read More: Calls for iconic Leeds Otley Run pub crawl to be 'scrapped' over concerns
Last week a consultation was held between MPs, councillors, residents and businesses to discuss plans to impose new sanctions on the Otley Run. Alex Sobel, Labour MP for Leeds North West alongside other local government officials met to discuss the options to reduce resident's concerns.
There have been problems for those with mobility issues trying to get down the streets in Headingley and reports of sexual harassment, public urination and general anti-social behaviour. During the consultation, members spoke that "action needed to be taken".
However, residents reacted to the news with mixed opinions, with some saying it was a "ban on fun" and asking how the council would enforce new rules. The new rules suggested included a code of conduct in every bar, reducing coach trips and increasing the number of police patrols.
Hundreds of comments were left in reaction to the news. Here is what LeedsLive readers had to say about the plans.
One person said: "Anyone guilty of any criminal offences should be investigated and prosecuted. However, what a dull world we are going to live in when fun is banned or regulated because it upsets a few residents."
Another person said they want to see the Otley Run continue, they said: "As a non-student living in headingley, I would much prefer the otley run continue than not. Sure, there are some things that I think really needs changing, e.g. a ban on glass in public spaces, crowds outside pubs that are spilling into the road, and not allowing otley runners onto public transport, but for anyone who was here during lockdown, house parties were unbearable, when the pubs weren't open. I realise it's not just students on the run but at least by having the otley run, it gets the drunk students away from their houses."
Do you think the Otley Run should be scrapped? Let us know in the comments.
One person commented on the fact that local businesses have suffered enough throughout Covid. Many businesses including bars and pubs faced closure due to a lack of trade.
"If the nimbys got their way and banned this, two thirds of these pubs would close then they’d complain about a loss of local venues or if they got changed to charity shops, houses etc. It needs more police, no glass and maybe an updated code of conduct," another added.
Some people agreed with the plans, calling for an end to the anti-social behaviour.
One resident said: "Yes it has to stop now as the anti social behaviour is getting worse unfortunately" and another commented: "Plz ban this as I live in headingley and they cause so much mess and even peeing in my garden and smashing bottles everywhere."
LeedsLive has reached out to Alex Sobel MP for comment on the proposed plans. Full details on the plans can be read here.
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