The Leeds Private Hire Drivers Organisation (LPHDO) have decided to strike until 6am on Tuesday 18 January as part of an ongoing row relating to the Suitability and Convictions Policy.
The policy in question has been in place since February 2020 and could see drivers suspended for the smallest of issues. For instance, having an argument could result in a driver losing their licence altogether.
Image: Unsplash
The strike started this morning, Monday 17 January at 6am and will last a full 24 hours, until Tuesday 18 January.
Recent interviews and a demonstration at Leeds Civic Hall have suggested that drivers that are part of the Leeds Private Hire Drivers Organisation feel that they are being unfairly treated.
A spokesperson for the LPHDO stated that the council can "get away with anything", yet if a taxi driver has an argument with a drunk customers that gets out of hand, by no fault of the taxi driver, the driver is put in an impossible decision. The spokesperson asked in this situation, do they put up with the abuse out of fear of losing their licence for talking back or do they stand up for themselves, which at the moment, could result in loss of a licence.
Image: Unsplash
With regards to the Suitability and Convictions policy, Leeds City Council issued this statement.
"Throughout the consultation, councillors have met with trade representatives to listen to their views and ensure they are kept informed of progress. The council is committed to consultation at all levels and will always be prepared to listen and reply to any areas of concern raised by the trade in a constructive manner."
The argument between the council and the LPHDO is the cause of the strike. / Image: Leeds City Council
Leeds City Council deputy leader and executive member for resources Councillor Debra Coupar said:
“We have been made aware of the proposed strike action on Monday by the Leeds Private Hire Drivers Organisation (LPHDO). Our priority is to minimise the impact of this proposed action especially on vulnerable adults and children as much as we can, and to make sure everyone who may be affected is aware of the situation and any potential disruption, with solutions being identified where possible.
“We would ask the Leeds Private Hire Drivers Organisation (LPHDO) to reconsider their planned action, and continue their dialogue with us over the proposed accumulation of minor motoring convictions criterion of the suitability policy in order to achieve a positive outcome for all parties.”
Time will tell if the strike affects the policy in place.
Feature Image- Unsplash
Leeds
End of an era as historic Leeds pub announces shock closure with ‘heavy heart’
One of Leeds' longest-running pub will be closing.
The Cross Keys in Holbeck is a lovely little boozer.
And it's got a fair bit of history too. Dating back to the early 1800s, the pub has stood on Water Lane for more than two centuries, with its story closely tied to Holbeck's industrial past.
Back when the area was one of Leeds' major manufacturing hubs, the Cross Keys was a local drinking spot for workers from the surrounding foundries and engineering works.
The pub itself fell into disrepair and was abandoned in 1980s, before being brought back to life during a major restoration in the 2000s.
But now, The Cross Keys is closing once again.
Images: The Cross Keys
Announcing the sad news to Instagram, the pub said: "It's with a heavy heart that we share the Cross Key's will be closing its doors on the 3rd of October.
"The whole team thank you for your support during our time in business."
In classic Leeds fashion, the comments were flooded with support from fans of the pub alongside fellow local businesses.
One comment reads: "Absolutely gutted about this. I held my fiance (now husband’s) 30th at The Cross Keys and it was excellent and the team were so helpful and hospitable. So sad to hear this."
Whilst another said: "Gutted, the home of some great memories and significant pints in my life."
So, if you've had a significant pint in The Cross Keys and wish to bid it a proper farewell, you've got until Saturday 3 October to do so.
Brand-new ‘party pub’ to take over the old Revolution site on Call Lane after £600,000 investment
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready to party Leeds, because a 'party pub' experience is coming to Call Lane.
Following a whopping £600,000 investment, Bonnie Rogues is preparing to open in the former Revolution site in Leeds city centre that will close this month.
After a major refurbishment, Leeds’ first Bonnie Rogues venue and the sixth site for the fast- growing UK brand will open in November 2026.
Designed as an all-day-to-night social destination, Bonnie Rogues combines live music, live sport, and late-night celebrations in one immersive venue.
From big nights out to spontaneous after-work drinks and even Sunday Roasts, Bonnie Rogues aims to offer something completely different from the traditional pub experience.
Expect live performances, crowd-involved entertainment and interactive moments in an atmosphere that flows seamlessly from day to night.
Russell Quelch, CEO of NEOS Hospitality, said, “Leeds has such a strong social scene and a real appetite for experience-led venues, so we think Bonnie Rogues will fit perfectly into the city.
"It’s a concept that brings together everything people love about going out - live music, sport, food, entertainment and great atmosphere, all in one place. We’re excited to bring something new to Leeds and can’t wait to welcome guests later this year.”
The Leeds opening forms part of a wider rollout of Bonnie Rogues venues across the UK, as NEOS Hospitality continues to expand its portfolio following its acquisition of multiple Revolution and Revolución de Cuba sites earlier this year.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more.
Sophie Smith -
17th January 2022 
