The Licensing Sub-Committee of Trafford Council met on Thursday 27 August 2026 to consider an application for a full variation to a premises licence for the Tollgate Inn. The application sought to introduce outdoor film screenings and late-night refreshment, which had generated significant objections from local residents.

Application for Variation to Premises Licence at Tollgate Inn

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a full variation to the premises licence for the Tollgate Inn, located at Seymour Grove, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0LN. The application, submitted by Marston's Plc, proposed to amend the layout of the premises and add new licensable activities.

Specifically, the application sought to:

• Amend the layout: This included changes to the internal layout, such as the removal of fixed seating and a reduction in the size of a bar servery to create more dining space. Externally, plans included refurbishing the toilet block, constructing a new external bar servery with kitchen facilities, adding a pergola roof to the terraced area, and undertaking landscaping changes.
• Add licensable activities: The applicant requested permission to show films externally between 10:00 and 23:00 hours, Monday to Sunday. They also applied to permit late-night refreshment externally until 00:00 hours, Monday to Sunday.
• Modify conditions: The application proposed deleting conditions 8 and 16 from the current licence and amending condition 10. Condition 8 related to supporting the Portman Group Code of Practice, while condition 16 was considered a duplication of mandatory conditions. The amendment to condition 10 aimed to update the operating schedule regarding day-to-day operations and high-profile events, including those related to Manchester United Football Club fixtures.

The report pack indicated that the application had been properly made and included details of the current premises licence and a certified plan. The applicant, Marston's Plc, is a company with its registered office at St John's House, St John's Square, Wolverhampton.

Representations Received

The application had attracted a significant number of representations from local residents and councillors, all of whom objected to the proposed variations. The main concerns raised by objectors centred on the potential for increased noise and light pollution, anti-social behaviour, parking issues, and littering, particularly due to the premises' proximity to residential properties.

• Prevention of Public Nuisance: Residents expressed concerns that outdoor film screenings until 23:00 and late-night refreshment until midnight would lead to unacceptable levels of noise and disturbance, impacting their quality of life. Mark Oliver of Seymour Place stated, This plan should it go ahead will undoubtedly be detrimental to local residents and their sleep.¹ Eva De Smet of Humphrey Road echoed this, noting that Serving alcohol til midnight will encourage anti social behaviour. Outdoor film screenings will create noise pollution.²
• Prevention of Crime and Disorder: Concerns were raised that extended late-night activity would increase the risk of anti-social behaviour and crime. Ian O'Brien of Seymour Place highlighted potential issues with parking, anti-social behaviour, and drink-driving, suggesting that the presence of a supported housing facility for young people could also be a factor.
• Public Safety: Some objectors raised concerns about increased traffic congestion, particularly on match days, and the potential for hazardous parking situations due to limited on-site parking.
• Protection of Children from Harm: Dr. Caroline Corless of Humphrey Road questioned how the pub would ensure age-appropriate viewing of films shown outdoors, especially if children could view them from outside the premises boundary.

Councillor Sophie Taylor and Councillor Waseem Hassan, Ward Councillors for Old Trafford, submitted a formal objection. They highlighted that the proposals risked undermining the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety. They noted that the Tollgate Inn is located in a densely populated urban area and that residents have consistently raised concerns about noise, traffic, parking, and anti-social behaviour. They specifically raised concerns about the impact of outdoor film screenings and late-night refreshment on neighbouring residents and community institutions, such as the mosque on Humphrey Road.

In contrast, one representation was received in favour of the application from Larraine Sumner of Talbot Road, who believed the changes would be beneficial to local residents by promoting local entertainment.

The report of the Head of Regulatory Services was scheduled to be considered by the committee, outlining the application, representations received, and relevant legal considerations. The committee was to determine the application, with options including granting it in full, granting it with modifications, or rejecting it, all while having regard to 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.