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 a New Premises Licence.

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

The applicant’s agent addressed the Hearing Panel and stated that there was new information to consider, in that the applicant was now looking for a time limited application up until August 2022. The agent covered details in the report outlining that the serving of alcohol would cease at 21:00 with 30 minutes dispersal afterwards and no off sales. The agent explained that the application was for the use of outdoor space at Chatsworth House, central Manchester, stating that planning had been agreed for a Parisian style garden but the applicants had been affected by COVID and had to postpone this plan but wanted to use the outdoor space in the meantime. The agent then explained how the applicants had invited residents of Chatsworth House to a meeting regarding the plans for Mala, stating that 20 residents attended in April leading to 5 objections. The agent confirmed that 1 of these objections had been withdrawn via an agreement and also LOOH had met agreements with the applicants. Further to this, 7 residents had given support for the application.

Responding to questions from residents, the agent and applicants explained that smokers would be kept under a canopy, toilets would be portaloos which would be emptied weekly in line with refuse collection times and that a Fire Officer had given permission for a 350 capacity but the applicants had felt that 200 was a more reasonable number, adding that patrons would be in wooden huts of 4 or 2 to a table.

Responding to questions from the Hearing Panel, the agent and applicants explained that food and drink would be available by scanning a QR code to order drinks from Mala and food from nearby associated businesses, adding that Mala staff would collect food and deliver to the tables to ensure social distancing was adhered to. It was also explained that would be a booking only system and that any troublesome customers could have their drink requests cancelled via the app software adding that it was unlikely to attract Stag and Hen parties due to the layout and higher cost of drinks on offer.

Resident objectors then addressed the Hearing Panel to give their views, stating concerns over drunken people directly below their dwellings and how they would be handled by Mala staff, how residents with children would be affected by noise emanating from the venue up until 21:30, the smell from smoking and vaping entering residents’ apartments and a desire to keep the outside area as a communal area which would be safe for residents and families.

In their deliberations, the Hearing Panel felt that they understood residents’ concerns but that this was a modest application with no objections from responsible authorities and felt it appropriate to grant the licence.

Decision

Grant the amended licence application as per agreed conditions LOOH and the conditions set out in the operating schedule:

1.    The Licence to be time limited until the 31 August 2022

2.    Alcohol to be served until 21:00 daily with 30 minutes for dispersal (closing at 21:30)

3.    No off sales

4.    No other licensable activity

Withdraw the non-standard timings – Bank Holiday and New Years Eve