The Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel of Manchester City Council met on Monday, 27 April 2026, to consider applications for premises licences and variations, as well as an urgent interim steps hearing. The meeting's agenda included discussions on a convenience store's request to extend its alcohol sales hours, a new premises licence application for a takeaway, and an urgent review of a pub's licence due to alleged serious crime.

Application for a Premises Licence Variation - N & W Convenience Store

The panel was scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for N & W Convenience Store, located at Unit 3, 163-165 Great Ducie Street, Manchester, M3 1FF. The proposed variation sought to extend the opening hours and the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises to 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

The report pack indicated that this application had attracted objections from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team (LOOH). GMP's representation highlighted concerns that 24/7 off-sales would attract vulnerable drinkers and individuals involved in anti-social behaviour (ASB), leading to increased disorder and demand on police resources. They also raised concerns about a proposed serving hatch operating between 23:00 and 07:00, suggesting it would encourage loitering and street drinking. GMP noted a history of non-compliance with current licence conditions by the premises.

The LOOH team also objected, citing concerns that 24-hour alcohol sales in this location, situated between late-night venues and opposite Strangeways, would increase public nuisance, particularly street drinking and ASB. They echoed concerns about the night hatch and stated that later hours are more sensitive outside the city centre due to less robust infrastructure for managing the night-time economy. LOOH also pointed to evidence of the premises trading beyond permitted hours and failing to comply with CCTV and litter management conditions.

The applicant proposed a range of steps to promote the licensing objectives, including staff training, a compliance folder, CCTV systems, an incident book, and a robust Challenge 25 scheme for age verification. However, the objectors argued that these measures were administrative and did not adequately address the risks associated with 24-hour operation and the proposed night hatch.

The panel was to determine the application, with the report recommending that the panel decide whether to grant the licence subject to conditions, exclude certain licensable activities, refuse to specify a designated premises supervisor, or reject the application entirely.

Application for a New Premises Licence - Dragon Burger Box

The panel was also scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Dragon Burger Box, located at 443 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4AN. The application sought to allow the provision of late-night refreshment from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am, seven days a week.

This application had attracted objections from the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team (LOOH) and the Withington Civic Society Planning Group. LOOH objected on the grounds that the council's policy for the Withington area states that late-night takeaways should be refused unless exceptional circumstances are demonstrated, and that the applicant had not provided such circumstances. They noted that Withington is a designated conservation area with concerns about takeaway proliferation, existing issues with litter, noise from customers and delivery drivers, and general public nuisance. LOOH stated that the extended hours would likely exacerbate littering, particularly late at night.

The Withington Civic Society Planning Group also opposed the application, describing the litter problem in the area as appalling and stating that later opening hours would worsen it. They also raised concerns about potential increases in anti-social behaviour, disturbance from revellers, and late-night gatherings, particularly in a residential area. They referenced a previous planning condition that limited the shop's closing hours to protect residential amenity.

In contrast, the report pack included several statements in support of the application from local residents who described Dragon Burger Box as a vital part of our local night-time economy, a well run and safe place to go, and a place that contributes to their feeling of safety when walking home late at night.

The applicant proposed a compliance folder including a refusals register, drunk policy, drugs policy, incident record, CCTV monitoring, staff training records, and a litter policy. They also detailed plans for CCTV, an incident book, and maintaining the premises to a standard acceptable to the licensing authority.

The panel was to determine the application, considering whether to grant the licence with conditions, exclude licensable activities, refuse to specify a designated premises supervisor, or reject the application.

Urgent Business - Interim Steps for Summary Review of a Premises Licence - The Angel Inn

An urgent item was scheduled for discussion regarding an interim steps hearing for a summary review of the premises licence for The Angel Inn, located at 37 Wellington Street, Manchester, M18 8TX. This review was initiated by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) under section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003, which allows for expedited reviews when premises are associated with serious crime or disorder.

The report from the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing detailed GMP's application for the review, citing concerns that the premises are associated with serious crime. GMP stated that the standard review process under section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003 was inappropriate due to the length of time it would take, and that there were serious concerns requiring immediate resolution.

The report outlined GMP's investigation into a suspected kidnapping offence, which involved attempts to obtain CCTV footage from The Angel Inn. It detailed a series of interactions with the premises' management and designated premises supervisor (DPS) regarding the provision of this footage. GMP reported that on multiple occasions, access to the CCTV system was hindered, and on the final visit, the CCTV system had been replaced. GMP stated that they now have no confidence in the management or the DPS to promote the licensing objectives, believing there has been a deliberate attempt to hinder a police investigation. A further crime for Perverting the Course of Justice has been recorded and is being investigated.

GMP requested that the Licensing Authority consider suspending the Premises Licence until the full review is heard, expressing concerns that allowing the premises to continue operating could lead to further crime and endanger customers.

The panel was to consider the steps available under section 53B of the Licensing Act 2003, which include modifying licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the designated premises supervisor, or suspending the licence. The report indicated that the premises licence holder is John Ellis and the DPS is Robert Brown. The licensable activities authorised by the licence include the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment (live and recorded music), and late-night refreshment.