The Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel of Manchester Council was scheduled to discuss two Temporary Event Notices (TENs) and an application to vary a premises licence. The meeting's agenda focused on potential impacts on licensing objectives, with objections raised by Greater Manchester Police and the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team for both TENs.

Temporary Event Notice for Public, 9 Stevenson Square, Manchester

A Temporary Event Notice (TEN) was scheduled for discussion concerning an outdoor summer event at Public, located at 9 Stevenson Square, Manchester, M1 1DB. The event, planned in collaboration with JUBEL and Crop Radio, was intended to feature live DJ performances and the sale of alcohol for consumption within the existing licensed external area, with an overall capacity of 350 people. The event was scheduled to run from 12:00 to 22:00 outdoors, transitioning indoors until 03:00.

Objections to this TEN were raised by both Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team (LOOH). GMP's concerns centred on the potential undermining of the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, public safety, and preventing public nuisance. They highlighted Stevenson Square's existing issues with anti-social behaviour and street drinking, suggesting the event would attract more people, leading to increased disorder and placing a strain on police resources. GMP also noted the proximity of residential properties and questioned the effectiveness of the applicant's proposed 'good neighbour policy' in mitigating the impact of ten hours of outdoor entertainment.

The LOOH team also objected, primarily on the grounds of preventing public nuisance. They pointed to the Northern Quarter Area-Based Policy, which aims to balance the needs of businesses and residents, limit noise nuisance, and reduce litter and anti-social behaviour. LOOH expressed concern that amplified music in an outdoor setting on the public highway, especially given the open nature of Stevenson Square and its proximity to residential accommodation, would lead to significant noise disturbance. They referenced a previous similar event in July 2025 at a nearby premises which resulted in multiple noise complaints and a statutory nuisance warning. LOOH also noted the risk of overspill beyond the licensed area, leading to increased street drinking and undermining the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in place for the city centre.

Temporary Event Notice for The Oast House, Crown Square, Manchester

Another Temporary Event Notice (TEN) was scheduled for consideration, relating to The Oast House, located at Crown Square, Manchester, M3 3AY. The TEN was for licensable activities to take place until 04:30 on the evening of 5th July (running into the 6th) to accommodate the screening of a potential England game in the Men's World Cup 2026, with a kick-off at 1 am. The event was described as ticketed, for over 18s only, with 12 SIA door supervisors employed, and all drinks to be decanted into plastic cups.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) submitted an objection notice, citing concerns that the event would undermine the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety. GMP expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed event management plan, believing it would be insufficient to prevent anti-social behaviour and disorder from attendees and those attempting to view the match from outside the premises. They referenced past instances of disorder at the premises during high-profile football screenings, noting that the potential for the match to conclude in the early hours, combined with intoxicated patrons from nearby licensed premises, could lead to significant disorder and noise disturbance. GMP also raised concerns about the dispersal of a large number of individuals from the premises at an early hour, potentially exacerbating disorder in an area with substantial residential premises. GMP recommended that the application be refused and a counter-notice served.

Application for a Premises Licence Variation - M1 Metro Mini Market, 14 Oldham Street, Manchester

The panel was also scheduled to consider an application for the variation of a premises licence for M1 Metro Mini Market, located at 14 Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JQ. The proposed variation sought to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshment, and to remove non-standard timings. The proposed hours for the off-sale of alcohol were Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 3 am, and Sunday from 10 am to 3 am. The provision of late-night refreshment was proposed from Monday to Sunday, 11 pm to 3 am, with opening hours mirroring the alcohol sales times.

Objections to this variation were received from both Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team (LOOH). GMP objected on the grounds that the extended hours would undermine all four licensing objectives. They highlighted the premises' location in a high-risk area with significant late-night crime, disorder, public safety, and safeguarding issues, deeming the operating schedule and proposed controls insufficient to mitigate the increased risks. GMP noted the area's existing challenges with late-night demand, street drinking, and anti-social behaviour, particularly around bus stops and nearby on-licensed premises. They also raised concerns about public safety due to the congregation of vulnerable individuals and the potential for increased noise and nuisance.

The LOOH team also objected, citing the undermining of the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and public nuisance. They referred to the Manchester Statement of Licensing Policy, specifically the Northern Quarter Area-Based Policy, which aims to balance business and resident needs, limit noise, and reduce anti-social behaviour. LOOH highlighted the premises' location within the Northern Quarter, an area with high footfall and existing issues with crime, disorder, and street drinking, particularly near Piccadilly Gardens and Stevenson Square. They considered the proposed extension of hours until 3 am insufficient to mitigate the risks associated with increased intoxication, noise, and anti-social behaviour, especially given the potential for single cans of alcohol to contribute to street drinking. LOOH recommended refusal of the application.