The Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel of Manchester Council was scheduled to meet on Monday 22 June 2026 to consider an application for a premises licence variation. The primary focus of the meeting was an application from Southern Fried Chicken, located at 264 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M14 6JR, to extend its operating hours for late-night refreshment.

Application for Premises Licence Variation - Southern Fried Chicken

The meeting was scheduled to consider an application for a variation to the premises licence for Southern Fried Chicken, located at 264 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M14 6JR. The application, detailed in the Public reports pack 22nd-Jun-2026 10.00 Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel, sought to extend the permitted hours for the provision of late-night refreshment to finish at 03:00, Monday to Sunday. Additionally, the applicant proposed to remove the existing permission for the sale of alcohol and the activity of recorded music from the premises licence, stating these activities were no longer required. The application also included an update to the premises' layout plan.

The report pack indicated that this application had attracted objections. Representations were received from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team. GMP expressed concerns that the proposed CCTV condition was not robust enough and that the applicant had not included plans for SIA registered security staff, which they believed were necessary for operating until 03:00 in a busy night-time economy area. They also noted that the premises is located within the Fallowfield Special Policy Area, where the policy is to refuse applications for hot-food takeaways and delivery services for the night-time and late-night economy, except in exceptional circumstances. GMP concluded that they did not believe the licensing objectives would be promoted and requested the application be refused.

The Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team also raised concerns, highlighting that the applicant had not acknowledged the Fallowfield Special Policy Area and had not offered adequate conditions to address potential issues of noise, litter, or anti-social behaviour. They noted the proximity to residential properties and the lack of specific conditions for managing noise nuisance, particularly given the potential for increased activity from nearby alcohol-led licensed premises. The team also pointed out that the lack of mention of SIA approved door staff could lead to issues escalating and straining police resources. Furthermore, concerns were raised about delivery drivers potentially causing disturbance to residents on the Sherwood estate due to parking arrangements, and the ongoing issue of litter in the Fallowfield area, which they believed would be exacerbated by the extended hours. The team recommended refusal of the application.

The report pack outlined the relevant legal considerations, including the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005, and the Secretary of State's Guidance to the Licensing Act 2003, which requires licensing authorities to have regard to this guidance. The report also referenced the National Licensing Policy Framework and Manchester's own Statement of Licensing Policy 2024-2029, specifically the Fallowfield Special Policy Area, which has a policy to refuse applications for hot-food takeaways and delivery services for the night-time and late-night economy, except in exceptional circumstances.

The applicant's operating schedule detailed steps to promote the licensing objectives, including the installation of a CCTV system, staff training, an incident log, and a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour. Measures to prevent public nuisance included encouraging customers to leave quietly, no loitering outside the premises, and managing delivery drivers to avoid idling engines. The premises stated it would operate as a family-friendly restaurant, with children accompanied by responsible adults, and no alcohol would be sold or supplied.

The agenda also included standard procedural items such as considering urgent business, appeals, and declarations of interest.