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

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing regarding an application for a New Premises Licence.

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

The Hearing Panel was informed that the premises is currently operating as a newsagent and that the applicant’s husband had previously submitted three applications for off sales of alcohol in relation to these premises, two of which had been refused and a third had been withdrawn. The Hearing Panel was told that whilst the applicant’s husband managed the premises in July 2018, officers found persons drinking on the premises and a substantial amount of alcohol was found. The Hearing Panel was informed by the applicant that the applicant’s husband would not be involved in managing the premises as they were now involved in an unrelated business and that the applicant would have management control of the premises should a licence be granted.

During discussions the Hearing Panel became very concerned about the applicant’s lack of knowledge and experience in managing a licensed premises. In particular the Hearing Panel were concerned that the applicant was not able to provide details of how they intended to manage the transition of the premises at 17:00 from a coffee shop into a licensed sports bar.

During further discussions the applicant was unable to describe to the Hearing Panel what method of training they had received and therefore what training would be offered to staff. The applicant stated that they had experience of running a premises in another country but was unable to satisfy the Hearing Panel of any understanding on how to operate a premises in Manchester.

Ultimately, the Hearing Panel could not be certain of the applicant’s ability in operating a premises whilst complying with the Licensing Act 2003 and in a way which upheld the Licensing Objectives. The Hearing Panel therefore considered it necessary and appropriate to refuse the application.

Decision

To refuse the application for a new premises licence.