The Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel of Manchester Council met on Monday 21 September 2026 to consider an application for a new premises licence. The meeting's agenda included standard procedural items before focusing on the single application.

Application for a New Premises Licence at 84 Old Church Street, Manchester

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a new premises licence for a restaurant and lounge, currently unnamed, at 84 Old Church Street, Manchester, M40 2JF. The application, reference PR202607-1776522, was made by Kent Oluwabukunmi Ajayi and sought permission for the sale of alcohol, provision of late-night refreshment, and recorded music.

The report pack indicated that the application had attracted objections from two local parties: a local resident and a local business. The local resident raised concerns that the licence could undermine the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance. Specific worries included an increase in crime, anti-social behaviour, substance misuse, and exacerbation of existing issues with traffic congestion, illegal parking, noise, and road rage on the high street. The resident also noted the premises' location on a busy community street near a primary school, which heightened concerns about impacts on local residents and children.

The local business also expressed concerns about potential increases in crime and disorder, particularly late at night. They highlighted worries about customers congregating outside, leading to noise, disturbance, and public nuisance, as well as litter and smoking-related issues. The business questioned the adequacy of the operating schedule and requested consideration of conditions relating to CCTV, noise control, customer dispersal, litter management, and staff training. They also suggested that the proposed midnight closing times on Fridays and Saturdays might not be appropriate for the location due to the proximity of other licensed premises.

The report pack outlined the legal framework governing such hearings, including the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005, and the importance of adhering to the Secretary of State's Guidance to the Licensing Act 2003 and Manchester City Council's Statement of Licensing Policy. The policy aims to promote the licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The report also referenced the National Licensing Policy Framework, which supports investment in venues, extended consumer choice, regeneration, and better regulation.

The report detailed the applicant's proposed operating schedule, which included measures for the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm. These measures included staff training, CCTV systems, fire safety compliance, noise control, litter management, and a Challenge 25 policy for alcohol sales.

Additionally, the report listed conditions proposed by other parties, including Trading Standards and Greater Manchester Police (GMP). Trading Standards' proposals focused on staff training for the Challenge 25 policy and sales by proxy, as well as the display of relevant signage and the maintenance of a refusal log. GMP's proposed conditions included the cessation of licensable activities 30 minutes before closing time for safe dispersal, the removal of the proposed rear lounge area, and detailed requirements for CCTV operation, staff training on various aspects of responsible alcohol sales and safeguarding, and the presence of a Personal Licence holder during alcohol sales.

The Panel was asked to determine the application, with options including granting the licence subject to conditions, excluding certain licensable activities, refusing to specify the designated premises supervisor, or rejecting the application entirely. The report emphasised that all determinations should be considered on their individual merits, be evidence-based, and proportionate to the promotion of the licensing objectives.