The Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel of Manchester Council met on Monday, 11 May 2026, to consider several applications related to premises licences. The agenda included applications for variations to existing licences for Bunny's Outpost and Go Local, a new premises licence for Popeyes, and a temporary event notice for Cove.

Application for a Premises Licence Variation - Bunny's Outpost, 698 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 2DN

The committee was scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Bunny's Outpost. The initial application sought to extend licensable activities by two hours daily. However, this application was subsequently amended. The revised proposal requested an additional hour on Fridays and Saturdays for the sale of alcohol, films, and indoor sporting events, extending these to 2:00 am. Late night refreshment and closing times were proposed to be extended to 2:30 am on these evenings. The application also sought to amend the provision for days before bank holidays, requesting two additional hours for certain activities to align with weekend trading.

Numerous objections were received from responsible authorities and local residents, primarily citing concerns about the prevention of public nuisance, crime, and disorder. The Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance team recommended refusal, highlighting potential noise disturbances for nearby residents and the premises' location within a residential area. Greater Manchester Police also objected, expressing concerns about increased anti-social behaviour and noise.

In response to these objections, further revisions were made to the application. The applicant no longer sought to extend hours on Sundays through Thursdays. For Fridays and Saturdays, the requested extension for recorded music, live music, and other entertainment involving dance or music was withdrawn, with terminal hours remaining at 1:00 am. Additional conditions were offered, including the engagement of SIA door staff when trading past 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, restrictions on entry and re-entry after 1:00 am, and specific management of external areas. Revised dispersal and smoking/al fresco policies were also proposed.

Application for a Premises Licence Variation - Go Local, 26 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JQ

The committee was scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Go Local, which was transitioning from a bar to a convenience store. The proposed variations included updating the premises plans to reflect the new layout, removing on-sales of alcohol to focus solely on off-sales, and removing live music. The operating hours for recorded music were proposed to change, and late-night refreshment hours were to be amended.

Objections were raised by Greater Manchester Police and the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance team. GMP expressed concerns about the applicant's suitability, citing a poor track record at a nearby premises and the potential for increased street drinking, crime, and anti-social behaviour. The Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance team argued that the proposed changes constituted a substantial alteration to the premises' character and primary use, exceeding the scope of a variation and suggesting a new premises licence application would be more appropriate. They also raised concerns about the removal of existing safeguarding conditions.

Application for a New Premises Licence - Popeyes, Unit 7 Wilmslow Park, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M13 0JN

The panel was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Popeyes, a Louisiana chicken restaurant. The application was for the provision of late-night refreshment only, with no alcohol sales requested. The applicant sought to operate daily until 5:00 am.

Objections were received from Greater Manchester Police and the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance team. GMP raised concerns about the safe running of the premises during the proposed late hours, particularly regarding the management of disorder and customer congregation outside. They recommended the engagement of SIA registered security staff from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am daily. The Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance team expressed concerns about noise disturbances for residents living in apartments directly above the premises, particularly from customers and delivery drivers, and recommended revised operating hours for late-night refreshment from 11:00 pm to 1:00 am. Popeyes submitted proposed conditions aimed at promoting the licensing objectives, including CCTV requirements, an incident log, and measures to manage customer behaviour and deliveries.

Temporary Event Notice - Cove, 158 Burton Road, Manchester, M20 1LH

The committee was scheduled to consider a temporary event notice (TEN) for Cove, for a disco/party event on Sunday, 17 May 2026, from 12:30 am to 2:30 am, for up to 130 persons. Greater Manchester Police submitted an objection notice, citing two recent incidents of disorder outside the premises on 1 March 2026 and 16 April 2026. GMP stated that no additional information was provided on how the licensing objectives would be promoted during the extended hours and believed that the objectives would be undermined. They recommended that a counter notice be served, effectively refusing the TEN.