The Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel convened on Monday 18 May 2026 to consider several applications for premises licences and variations, as well as temporary event notices. The meeting's agenda included discussions on applications for Allen's Fried Chicken, Shop & Eat, and 115 Princess Street, alongside temporary event notices for Pholaz and Red Light Bar.

Application for a Premises Licence Variation: Allen's Fried Chicken, 327 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M14 6NW

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a variation to the premises licence for Allen's Fried Chicken. The report indicated that this application had attracted objections. The proposed variation was to extend opening and late-night refreshment hours, with trading daily from 5pm to 6am.

Objections were raised by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team (LOOH). GMP's objection centred on the prevention of public nuisance, citing noise from customers and deliveries in what is a residential area. They also noted that the premises is within the Fallowfield Special Policy Area, and the application did not present exceptional circumstances to override this policy. The LOOH objection also highlighted concerns regarding the prevention of public nuisance, specifically noise from customers and deliveries, and pointed to a previous instance of trading beyond permitted hours as evidence of disregard for licensing objectives. Both GMP and LOOH recommended refusal of the application.

The report also detailed the Fallowfield Special Policy Area's objectives, which aim to reduce alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and litter, and support an attractive evening economy without adverse impact on residents. The special policy states a presumption to refuse applications for the night-time economy (NTE) and late-night economy (LNE) except in exceptional circumstances.

Application for a New Premises Licence: Shop & Eat, 88-94 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 5WH

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Shop & Eat. This application had also attracted objections. The applicant proposed opening hours from 8am to 4:30am, with licensable activities including the sale of alcohol, films, live and recorded music, performances of dance, other entertainment involving music or dance, and late-night refreshment.

Representations were received from GMP, Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance, and three Ward Councillors. GMP raised concerns regarding the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety, particularly in relation to CCTV utilisation, door staff provision, disruption from smokers, and the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) being listed on another application. The Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team echoed these concerns, focusing on public nuisance and public safety, and the potential contribution of early morning alcohol sales to alcohol abuse. The Ward Councillors expressed concerns about the proposed opening hours, the operator's experience, and the strength of the offered conditions. GMP and Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance recommended granting the licence with conditions, while the Ward Councillors' recommendation was not stated.

The report outlined the applicant's proposed steps to promote the licensing objectives, including the employment of SIA registered door supervisors, a comprehensive CCTV system, and staff training. Agreements on conditions had been reached with GMP and Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance, though the latter's representation had not been withdrawn at the time of publication.

Application for a New Premises Licence: 115 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6JB

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for 115 Princess Street. This application also attracted objections. The applicant proposed a 24-hour operation for two units within the premises: Unit A as a minimarket selling alcohol off-premises 24 hours a day, and Unit B as a café offering late-night refreshment on or off the premises 24 hours a day.

Objections were lodged by GMP and the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team (LOOH). GMP raised concerns about undermining all four licensing objectives, including the protection of children from harm, prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and prevention of public nuisance. They highlighted the 24-hour alcohol sale in proximity to The Gay Village, insufficient conditions, and the potential for public drinking contravening the city-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). GMP also questioned the applicant's ability to effectively serve as DPS for two late-night venues simultaneously. LOOH echoed these concerns, particularly regarding the prevention of nuisance, insufficient conditions to manage customer behaviour, noise, and dispersal.

Agreements on conditions had been reached with GMP, including restrictions on alcohol sales between 3am and 8am, securing alcohol displays during these hours, no sales of single cans of alcohol, and SIA registered security guards on Friday and Saturday nights. LOOH, however, continued to have concerns about a 24-hour operation in a residential area and recommended refusal unless hours were reduced to 3am.

Temporary Event Notices (TENs) for Pholaz, 8 Stocks Street, Manchester, M8 8QG

Two temporary event notices were scheduled for consideration, both submitted by Bongani Sibanda for events at Pholaz. The first TEN was for a DJ performance on 22 and 23 May 2026, with a capacity of 75 people, and licensable activities including the sale of alcohol and other entertainment involving music or dance from 11am to 5am. The second TEN was for traditional wedding celebrations on 29 and 30 May 2026, with a capacity of 80 people, and similar licensable activities and hours.

Objections were received from the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team (LOOH) for both TENs, citing concerns about the prevention of public nuisance. LOOH highlighted the premises' proximity to residential accommodation and the sensitivity of the area to disturbance, particularly during early morning hours. Officer observations from previous visits detailed incidents of verbal altercations, public urination, glass throwing, and unmanaged dispersal, leading to concerns about the premises' ability to manage customer behaviour and ensure orderly dispersal. LOOH recommended refusal for both TENs. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) also submitted objection notices, but these were withdrawn after agreements were reached to attach all conditions from the premises licence to each TEN.

Temporary Event Notice for Red Light Bar, 4 Little David Street, Manchester, M1 3GA

A temporary event notice for a Summer Street Party at Red Light Bar, submitted by Deana Ferguson, was also scheduled for consideration. The event was planned for 24-26 July 2026, with a capacity of 250 people for the street party and an after-party inside for 80 people. Licensable activities included the sale of alcohol and other entertainment involving music or dance.

An objection was lodged by the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team (LOOH) on the grounds of the prevention of public nuisance. LOOH raised concerns about the proposed hours, duration, and location of the event, particularly the potential for overspill onto the main highway and the undermining of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). They noted the narrowness of Little David Street and the lack of a fire risk assessment, raising public safety concerns. LOOH also highlighted previous noise complaints and rejected TENs for similar events in the vicinity, expressing concern that granting this application could set a precedent. LOOH recommended rejecting the application.