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

The Hearing Panel considered the report from the Directorof Planning, Building Control and Licensing regarding the above applications.The written papers and oral representations of the parties who attended were also considered, as well as the relevant legislation. The Chair used the agreed procedure to conduct the hearing.

The Chair invited the applicant to present their application to the Panel. The applicant’s representative referred to the Statement of Licensing Policy 2023-2028 that had been approved at the meeting of the Council on 29 November 2023 and requested the Panel to confirm if the policy would be used in the consideration of the application.

The Panel’s legal advisor informed the hearing that the Panel noted that the Statement of Licensing Policy 2023-2028 had been approved for publication by the Council however, the policy had not yet been formally published and for that reason the panel would consider the application in accordance with the guidance of the Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026.

The applicant’s representative presented the application for a premises licence. The panel was advised that applicant currently operates two other premises within Manchester. The proposed premises will offer late night refreshment and sweet treat products. The premises will open from 10:00am to 4.00am Tuesday to Saturday and 10:00am to 1:00am Sunday to Monday. The premises licence will apply between 11pm and 4.00am. The premises will open on 8 January 2024. The premises licence will allow the sale of hot drinks and warm cookies. The premises will also sell cold drinks and ambient temperature cookies. The application submitted provided a demonstration of how the applicant proposed to meet the four licensing objectives. Delivery is available and would be provided by staff members using their own peddle cycle or car.  

The applicant’s submission was supported by statements from employees of Insomnia Cookies UK. A written statement submitted from an independent consultant who was engaged by the applicant for external and internal observations made in October 2023 of the two other premises operated by the applicant and the proposed new premises, including the areas surrounding the shop. The observations made had not identify any breaches of the licencing objectives.

In response to a question concerning the request for a 11:00am - 4:00am, it was stated that the applicant believes there is a demand for the products offered during this time of the day. Also, as a comparison, another premises adjacent to the location, provides hot food and are open 24hours.

At this point the Panel adjourned the meeting for a 10-minute break. The hearing resumed at 11:15am.

The Chair invited a spokesperson attending on behalf of Fallowfield Community Guardians Withington Civic Society to address the hearing.

The spokesperson stated that it is unreasonable and not appropriate to continue with the hearing and requested for the adjournment of the hearing until after the formal publication of the Statement of Licensing Policy 2023-2028.

In response the applicant’s representative objected to the request on the basis that the relevant policy to consider the application  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

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

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