The Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel of Manchester Council met on Monday 6 July 2026 to consider an application for a new premises licence for Five Guys at Manchester Fort Shopping Park and a temporary event notice for Nell's on Edge Street. The meeting's agenda also included standard procedural items.

Application for a New Premises Licence: Five Guys

The panel was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Five Guys, located at Unit 35, Manchester Fort Shopping Park, Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, M8 8EP. The application, reference PR202605-1754818, was made by Five Guys JV Ltd and sought permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises, provision of regulated entertainment (films and recorded music), and late-night refreshment. The proposed operating hours were from 8am to 12:30am on Sundays to Wednesdays, and 8am to 1:30am on Thursdays to Saturdays.

The report pack indicated that relevant representations had been received from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team (LOOH). GMP's concerns related to the potential undermining of the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm, particularly regarding the proposed hours and the potential for a drive-through service after 11pm. The LOOH team also raised concerns about the undermining of licensing objectives, suggesting that the proposed conditions were insufficient. Both GMP and LOOH recommended granting the licence with conditions.

The report pack outlined the legal considerations, including the Secretary of State's Guidance to the Licensing Act 2003 and Manchester City Council's Statement of Licensing Policy. It detailed proposed conditions for the licence, including those agreed with GMP and LOOH, and those proposed by objectors. These conditions covered aspects such as CCTV operation, staff training on alcohol sales, the Challenge 25 proof of age scheme, and the use of door staff after 11pm.

Temporary Event Notice: Nell's

The panel was also scheduled to consider a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for Nell's, located at 39-41 Edge Street, Manchester, M4 1HW, reference PR202606-1765955. The TEN was submitted by Antonia Lallement for an event on Saturday, 29 August 2026, coinciding with Manchester's PRIDE celebrations. The proposal included an outdoor DJ performance from 2pm to 9pm, with the music moving indoors thereafter. The event was expected to attract up to 150 attendees.

Objection notices were received from both Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team (LOOH). GMP objected on the grounds of undermining the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety. Their concerns included the permissibility of DJ equipment within a pavement licence area, the management of crowds, potential breaches of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) regarding alcohol consumption in public, and the lack of clarity on crowd dispersal after the event.

The LOOH team sought refusal on the grounds of undermining the prevention of public nuisance. They highlighted concerns about noise breakout from amplified music in the external area, potential disturbance to nearby residents, and the exacerbation of existing issues with street drinking and anti-social behaviour in the Northern Quarter. LOOH also expressed concern that granting this application could set a precedent for other premises. Both GMP and LOOH recommended that the panel serve a counter notice to refuse the TEN.

The report pack detailed the legal framework for considering TENs, including the Secretary of State's Guidance and Manchester's Statement of Licensing Policy. It outlined the potential actions the panel could take, including issuing a counter notice or imposing conditions on the TEN if it decided not to refuse it.