An indoor crazy golf course set to feature a 'red-light district' themed hole has been granted an alcohol license despite opposition from a nearby church.
Redeemed Christian Church of God objected to amusement chain Ghetto Golf selling alcohol on its premises, arguing it could prove damaging to young church goers.
Members of the Pentecostal church sent dozens of letters to Leeds City Council challenging the plans to sell alcoholic beverages at the entertainment venue.
A large majority of the complaints outlined four similar concerns:
1. An encouragement of anti-social behaviour.
2. It resulting in a public nuisance.
3. The compromise of public safety.
4 The lives of children that come to church services would be endangered.
The location of the planned golf course is a disused warehouse on Walter Street, the same road as the church.
Redeemed Christian Church of God pastor Samuel Obafaiye told a licensing committee: "The company that is wanting to come here, we strongly object to. One of the reasons is that we have 80 children under 16 that come to our services each week."
He continued: "If they were on other streets away from us, we wouldn't have any problem but the property is too close... we felt it would compromise the ability of our trustees to safeguard our children."
The adventure golf company has insisted it will employ a strict over 18s policy, a 'comprehensive CCTV system' enforce 'zero tolerance' on drug use.
Councillors have granted the licence to serve alcohol, from 10am until 1am.
