The report of the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing is enclosed.

The Hearing Panel considered the report of the Head of Planning, Building Control and Licensing regarding an application for a Premises Licence Variation for Unique Convenience Store, Cheetham Service Station, Waterloo Road, Cheetham, Manchester, M8 8GJ

The Hearing Panel considered the written papers, oral representations of all parties as well as the relevant legislation.

The Applicant addressed the Panel about the reasons for the application for a 24-hour licence. This was described as to increase sales. The Panel heard that the Applicant had held the licence for 4 years and during this time, there had been no issues at the premises regarding the sale of alcohol. The Applicant explained that all alcohol would be sold through a hatch and confirmed that, at present, one member of staff was on site at night, but this would increase to two should the licence be granted. The Applicant also confirmed on questioning that an application to change the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) to the Store Managers should the variation be granted.

The Panel then heard from GMP who had submitted representation to the variation and requested that it be refused. This was because of an existing street drinking and antisocial behaviour issue in the area, which had been confirmed by the local policing team. GMP expressed the view that should the variation be granted, this would exacerbate those problems. GMP also highlighted the premises’ proximity to the nearby primary school and the potential detrimental effect on pupils from street drinkers who could congregate should the variation be granted. GMP asked the Panel to note that there were no other premises within a 5-minute drive that have a 24-hour licence and indicated that should a 24-hour licence be granted, the premises would become a magnet for street drinkers. In addition, concerned was expressed about the Applicant’s status as DPS at two separate sites, adding that whilst it is permissible to be a DPS at more than one site, there were concerns over how time would be split over those sites, especially where one of those premises had a 24 hour licence. The Panel was also invited to note that when the Applicant cant first applied for a premises licence for this site, a 24-hour licence, with hours of 8am until 11pm being subsequently granted. GMP gave emphasis to the same problems still remaining at large at the location, since the initial application was made.

The Panel then heard from representatives from the Licensing and Out of Hours (LOOH) team who had also submitted representations about the variation. LOOH representatives also invited the Panel to refuse the variation due to the creation of public nuisance. The main concerns raised were the location of the premises, the negative effect it will have on residents, the litter it would cause in the area and the exacerbation of the street drinking problem. LOOH representatives said that whilst the premises is located near industrial units, it remained in close proximity to a residential area (Cheetham ward) and the nearby  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

The report of the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing is enclosed.

The Hearing Panel were informed that all objections had been withdrawn and therefore no decision was necessary.