The Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel of Manchester Council is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for 360 General Store. The panel will also address any urgent business or appeals that may arise.

Application for a New Premises Licence: 360 General Store

A key item on the agenda is the application for a new premises licence for 360 General Store, located at 13 Silvercroft Street, Manchester, M15 4ZB. The report pack details that this application has attracted objections and will therefore be determined by the panel.

The application, reference PR202607-1774489, is from CG Three60 Limited and describes the premises as a convenience store and cafe run by experienced operators. The proposed licensable activities include the supply of alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises from Monday to Sunday, 6am to 2am, and the provision of late-night refreshment during the same hours. The premises would also be open to the public from 6am to 2am daily, with seasonal variations for British Summer Time and an additional hour on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The designated premises supervisor proposed is Mital Morar.

Objections have been raised by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team. GMP's representation highlights concerns that the proposed measures to promote the licensing objectives are not robust enough, particularly regarding the late operating hours and the potential for increased crime and disorder. They suggest additional conditions, including the mandatory use of Security Industry Authority (SIA) registered door supervisors when alcohol is sold past midnight, and restrictions on the use of the external terrace area. GMP also propose that unaccompanied children should be restricted from entering the premises at night.

The Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team has recommended the refusal of the application. Their representation states that the operating schedule lacks sufficiently detailed measures to manage customer behaviour, noise, and the impact of late-night activity on residents. They note the high density of residential occupation in the area and express concern about potential noise and anti-social behaviour, particularly given the proximity to short-term accommodation. The team also points out that the applicant's existing stores close earlier and do not have licensed external areas, raising questions about their experience with late-hour trading and managing intoxicated customers. They also highlight a lack of information regarding staff training, delivery management, and a dispersal strategy.

The report pack outlines the legal considerations, including the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005, and the importance of the Secretary of State's Guidance to the Licensing Act 2003 and the Manchester Statement of Licensing Policy. The panel is expected to consider these policies, along with the specific merits of the application and the representations received, when making a determination. The panel has the power to grant the licence with conditions, exclude licensable activities, refuse to specify the designated premises supervisor, or reject the application entirely.

The agenda also includes standard procedural items such as considering urgent business and any appeals against the refusal to allow inspection of background documents or the inclusion of items in the confidential part of the agenda. Members will also have an opportunity to declare any interests.