Popular student bar The Box has extended its opening hours, despite strong concerns about noise and anti-social behaviour. As of June 3 the bar on Otley Road will stay open until 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays with alcohol being served until 2am.

Local councillor Jeanette Walker expressed her disappointment with the the Council’s licensing committee’s decision. She told Leeds Student that the hearing “failed to take on board the views of Leeds City Council Environment officers and the Police”.

Spokeswoman for Arc Inspirations, owners of The Box, said that the move was a response to the demand from their customers.

Over the past three years, The Box has applied for 43 extensions on their licence for late sporting events. Arc Inspirations responded to the noise concerns commenting, “we have a policy, which is a standard that we have had for years, which makes sure our customers leave as quietly as possible and we try not to disperse the entire building in one go.”

Carina Derhalli