The Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel of Manchester Council met on Thursday 17 September 2026 to consider an application for a summary review of a premises licence. The meeting's agenda focused on a single item: an interim steps hearing concerning the premises licence for Napoleons, located at 35 Bloom Street, Manchester, M1 3LY.

Interim Steps for Summary Review of Premises Licence - Napoleons

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a summary review of the premises licence for Napoleons, located at 35 Bloom Street, Manchester, M1 3LY. This review was initiated by Greater Manchester Police under section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003, following concerns that the premises were associated with serious crime or serious disorder.

The report pack indicated that the purpose of the hearing was to consider interim steps pending a full review of the licence. The Licensing Act 2003 allows for such expedited reviews when the police believe premises are linked to serious crime or disorder, as standard review procedures may take too long to address immediate concerns. The report stated that the police believed serious crime has occurred at the premises and that the standard review process was inappropriate due to the time it would take.

The report outlined the potential steps the Sub-Committee could take as recommendations:

• To modify the conditions of the licence.
• To exclude any licensable activities from the licence.
• To remove the designated premises supervisor.
• To suspend the licence.

The report also detailed the current premises licence for Napoleons, held by Guixiang Liu, which authorises the sale of alcohol, live and recorded music, performances of dance, and late-night refreshment. The licence permits these activities with specific timings, including extended hours on New Year's Eve/Day and August Bank Holidays, and allows for alcohol sales for both on and off-premises consumption. The report noted that Guixiang Liu was also the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).

The report highlighted that the application for the summary review was made on 15 September 2026, and the licensing authority was required to hold a hearing to consider interim steps within 48 hours of receiving the application. The report also referenced the Secretary of State's Guidance to the Licensing Act 2003 and Manchester City Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, both of which licensing authorities must have regard to when making decisions. The council's policy aims to ensure a balance of venue types and promote community wellbeing.

The report concluded by stating that any decision made by the Panel must be evidence-based, justified as appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives (prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm), and proportionate. The Panel was asked to determine what steps, if any, were appropriate for the promotion of these objectives.

The meeting was scheduled to consider urgent business and any appeals from the public regarding background documents, as well as declarations of interest from members. However, the primary focus was the review of the premises licence for Napoleons.