Huddersfield village is rallying behind cafe amid liquor license battle

The owners of a popular street food cafe are fighting for an alcohol license as critics reportedly called for it to be rejected.

Oi Dumplings, an award-winning Vietnamese-style food business, is moving to new premises previously occupied by Mario’s at 9 Peel Street in Marsden town center in the Colne Valley. The commercial name of the cafe will be Cafe Oi.

A “paper petition” opposing their application to Kirklees Council for a liquor license is believed to have been launched.

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On Wednesday, Maisie Davies, owner of Oi Dumplings, set up an online petition to drum up support for the proposed alcohol licence.

Entitled ‘Allow Oi Dumplings to sell alcohol in Marsden’, Maisie’s petition states: ‘As the owner of Oi Dumplings in Marsden, Huddersfield, I am deeply invested in the wellbeing and growth of our community.

“Selling alcohol at our facility is not just a matter of convenience; it is an essential asset that contributes significantly to the local economy.

“By allowing us to sell alcohol, we can attract more customers, create jobs and support other local businesses by increasing foot traffic.

“According to recent studies, businesses that are allowed to sell alcohol see an average 20-30% increase in revenue which can be reinvested back into the community (source: UK Hospitality Industry Report). This boost would help us provide better services and contribute more effectively to the economic development of Marsden.

“Please support our petition for the benefit of our business and the wider community. Sign this petition today!”

More than 1,000 people signed the pro-alcohol petition within hours.

One backer of the petition, Tracey, wrote: “I love Oi Dumplings and want to see them do well in the village. Everyone likes a glass of wine or beer at the table. There are several other licensed establishments in the village – why is this different. ?”

Jacqueline, who also signed, said she found it “very sad that a few people are determined not to support a new business…”.

Alasdair signed the petition and said “we should not bow to the opinion of a sad minority who don’t seem to understand how hospitality works”.

Marianne, who is supporting the petition, said: “Having seen how they ran their previous building in the village, I know they will be respectful about noise levels and respect for the village.”

Yorkshire Live understands a “paper petition” opposing the liquor license has been circulated in the village, although it is not clear on what grounds the application is being opposed. It was not immediately clear who organized the “paper petition.”

Brief details of Cafe Oi’s application have been published on Kirklees Council’s website. The consultation is ongoing.

The cafe owners declined to comment.

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