The Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel of Manchester Council was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for a Burger King restaurant. The meeting's agenda also included standard procedural items such as urgent business, appeals, and declarations of interest.

Application for a New Premises Licence - Burger King, 50 Oxford Street, Manchester

The main item scheduled for discussion was an application for a new premises licence for a Burger King restaurant located at 50 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 5EJ. The application, made by BKUK Group Limited, sought permission for the provision of late-night refreshment, with proposed operating hours of 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The report pack indicated that the application had attracted objections from responsible authorities. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) raised concerns regarding the potential impact on the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm. GMP's representation highlighted the premises' location on Oxford Street, described as the busiest pedestrian thoroughfare in Manchester City Centre, and the potential for increased anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence, particularly during late-night hours and weekends. GMP recommended refusing the application in its original format, but indicated they would withdraw their objection if a comprehensive set of additional conditions were imposed. These proposed conditions included requirements for a written queuing policy, a minimum number of door supervisors at specific times, the use of body-worn video devices by door supervisors, a robust CCTV system, and detailed incident logging.

The Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team also submitted a representation, expressing concerns about the potential for public nuisance, particularly from noise and litter, given the proposed 24-hour operation and the proximity of residential properties and student accommodation. They noted that the applicant's proposed litter control plan lacked sufficient detail for the period after 11 pm. This team recommended approving the application with amended and additional conditions, which included more prescriptive requirements for CCTV, door supervisors, staff training on dealing with intoxicated customers, litter management, and waste disposal.

The report pack outlined that the Panel would need to consider these representations and make a determination on the application, which could involve granting the licence with conditions, excluding certain licensable activities, refusing to specify a designated premises supervisor, or rejecting the application entirely. The decision would be made based on the promotion of the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The Panel was advised to have regard to the Secretary of State's Guidance to the Licensing Act 2003 and Manchester City Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2024-2029, particularly sections relating to area-based policies for the Oxford Road (Southern Gateway) area, which aims to balance the night-time economy with residential development and reduce public intoxication and crime.

The meeting was scheduled to take place in the Exchange Room, Floor E, The Royal Exchange Building, St Ann's Square, M2 7EF.