This meeting of the Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel was scheduled to discuss two applications for new premises licences in Manchester.

Application for a New Premises Licence - Spicy Chef, 1144 Rochdale Road Manchester

The Licensing Sub Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Spicy Chef, located at 1144 Rochdale Road. The application, submitted by Muhammad Maqsood, requested permission to serve late night refreshments from 11pm to 2am, Sunday to Thursday, and 11pm to 4am on Friday and Saturday.

The Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team raised concerns about the potential for noise and disturbance to residents living above the row of shops where Spicy Chef is located.

They suggested a reduction in operating hours, proposing that late night refreshments only be permitted until midnight on Sunday to Thursday, and 1am on Friday and Saturday. They also proposed several conditions to be added to the licence:

• Notices shall be prominently displayed at all exits requesting patrons to respect the needs of local residents and leave the area quietly.
• The premises and immediate surrounding area shall be kept clean and free from litter at all times the premises are open to the public.
• No rubbish, shall be moved, removed or placed in outside areas between 22:00am and 07:00am hours.
• A condition requiring the installation and maintenance of a comprehensive CCTV system.

An email from Michael Wilson, a Neighbourhood Compliance Officer with Manchester Council, stated that Mr. Maqsood intended to contest the proposed reduction in operating hours. Mr. Wilson's email alleges that Mr Maqsood acted threateningly during a telephone conversation about the application.

Application for a New Premises Licence - Decco Ltd., Canal Side Works, Hulme Hall Lane, Manchester

This application was for the grant of a new premises licence for two warehouses located at Canal Side Works on Hulme Hall Lane in Manchester.

The applicant, The MCR Venture Group Ltd, proposed to operate the premises from midday until midnight, seven days a week. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises, as well as the hosting of various events, including:

• Indoor sporting events
• Boxing or wrestling events
• Live and recorded music

The application included a set of proposed conditions intended to promote the licensing objectives. These conditions covered a range of areas, including:

• Age verification policies
• Crowd management
• Noise control
• Waste disposal

The application referenced the applicant's previous operation of a licensed premises at the same location, a licence which lapsed in April 2024.

Representations from Responsible Authorities

Representations regarding the application were received from three responsible authorities:

• Greater Manchester Police (GMP)
• Manchester City Council Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team
• Manchester City Council Trading Standards

Both GMP and the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team submitted objections to the application.

GMP expressed concerns over public safety and the potential for crime and disorder due to the proximity of the premises to The Etihad Stadium and the Co-Op Live Arena, suggesting the potential for intoxicated individuals attending events at these venues to frequent the premises. GMP also highlighted inconsistencies within the application, including references to Scottish licensing legislation and the omission of operating policies referenced in the operating schedule, ultimately recommending refusal of the application.

The Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team echoed GMP's concerns, highlighting inconsistencies in the application regarding proposed activities, facilities within the licensable area, and the use of Scottish licensing legislation. The team also noted discrepancies between the premises plans submitted as part of the licensing application and a separate planning application for a change of use, which proposed a significantly increased capacity for the premises. Based on these inconsistencies and concerns about the practicality and enforceability of the proposed operating conditions, the team recommended refusal of the application.

Trading Standards raised concerns regarding the protection of children from harm, specifically requesting the inclusion of additional conditions on the licence to ensure compliance with legal obligations in this area. These conditions related to staff training on age verification policies, the display of signage promoting responsible alcohol sales, and regular checks for underage individuals attempting to purchase alcohol. Trading Standards reached an agreement with the applicant on these conditions, subject to the committee's approval.