This week in Manchester:

Late-Night Venues and Safety Concerns Dominate Licensing Discussions

Manchester's Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel convened on Tuesday 1 September 2026, tackling a series of applications that highlight the delicate balance between fostering a vibrant nightlife and ensuring public safety. Several venues faced scrutiny, with objections raised by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Council's Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance (LOOH) team concerning potential impacts on crime, disorder, and public nuisance.

Istanbul Turkish Cuisine Faces Refusal Recommendation Over Late-Night Operations

An application for a new premises licence for Istanbul Turkish Cuisine, located at 187 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M14 5AQ, was recommended for refusal. Both GMP and LOOH raised concerns about the application's completeness and apparent breaches of licensable activity. LOOH officers reportedly found the premises open and serving hot food after 11 pm on multiple occasions, with one officer purchasing food after midnight. GMP stated that these breaches, if unaddressed, would undermine the four licensing objectives. LOOH also flagged issues with online delivery orders and potential public nuisance, leading to the recommendation for refusal.

Momona Bar and Cafe's Late-Night Extension Met with Objections

Momona Bar and Cafe, at 24 Sherborne Street, Manchester, M3 1EF, sought to extend its operating hours for recorded music, late-night refreshment, and alcohol sales until 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays. GMP objected, citing concerns that the extension would negatively impact crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety, particularly in an area experiencing increased anti-social behaviour. LOOH also objected, focusing on public nuisance due to the premises' proximity to residential areas and the potential for cumulative noise impact. While GMP indicated a willingness to withdraw their objection if additional conditions, such as mandatory door supervisors, were agreed upon, LOOH expressed concern about the lack of proposed safety and security measures.

Beilul Lounge Faces Licence Review Amidst Serious Safety Failures

A review of the premises licence for Beilul Lounge, at 100 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M14 5AJ, was initiated by GMP due to alleged failures in upholding licensing objectives. The grounds for review cited numerous breaches, including unsupervised alcohol sales, lack of a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), insufficient staff training, poor management, and significant safety issues such as poor hygiene, a rat infestation, blocked escape routes, and fire safety deficiencies. GMP was seeking the revocation of the premises licence.

Projekts MCR Variation Application Weakens Safeguards, Say Police

GMP also objected to a variation application for Projekts MCR, at Projekts Skateboard Park, 41 Baring Street, Manchester, M1 2PY. They argued that the proposed changes would weaken the Premises Licence and remove appropriate safeguards, referencing a poorly managed event in May 2026 that required emergency service attendance. LOOH also objected, stating the proposed amendments would not promote licensing objectives as effectively as existing conditions, citing compromised public safety and crowd management at the same May event.

Temporary Event Notice for Mid-Autumn Festival Faces Information Gaps

A Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for the Mid-Autumn Festival Garden Fair at the Chinatown Car Park, junction of Nicholas Street and Faulkner Street, Manchester, M1 4BP faced an objection from LOOH. The objection cited a lack of sufficient detail regarding security, stewarding, crowd management, and waste management, making it difficult to assess how the licensable activities would be controlled without undermining licensing objectives.

These discussions highlight the council's critical role in regulating licensed premises to protect residents from potential harm, particularly concerning alcohol-related issues and public safety.

For more details on these discussions, please refer to the Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel meeting documents.

Council Addresses Housing Delivery and Confronts Far-Right Rhetoric

The Council convened for an extraordinary meeting on Thursday 3 September 2026, tackling significant issues including the appointment of a new Leader of the Council, a record-breaking delivery of affordable homes, and a robust stance against the normalisation of far-right rhetoric.

Manchester Achieves Record Affordable Homes Delivery

A notice of motion, championed by Councillor Gavin White, Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration, celebrated a record year for affordable home construction. The council delivered 901 affordable homes in 2025/2026, with a substantial portion designated for social rent and the Manchester Living Rent standard. Plans are underway for further council homes in Collyhurst and Victoria North. The motion also noted a significant reduction in households on the housing register, demonstrating tangible progress in addressing housing needs. The council resolved to continue its efforts, seeking collaboration with the new Greater Manchester Mayor and Prime Minister for funding, and advocating for devolved powers to control private rented sector rents.

United Front Against Far-Right Rhetoric and Equalities Framework

In response to rising organised far-right activity and harmful rhetoric, Councillor Amna Saad Omar Abdullatif, Co-Deputy Leader of the Green Party Group, put forward a motion to confront this trend. The motion, which was accepted with an amendment, condemned such rhetoric and its impact on community cohesion, particularly for vulnerable groups. It called for a report on the resilience of the council's equalities duties, a coordinated regional response with the Greater Manchester Mayor, and for the Manchester Community Safety Partnership to prioritise tackling far-right radicalisation and hate crime. The amended motion also proposed establishing a cross-party group, Manchester Together, and investigating measures to tackle harassment, including potential exclusion zones near asylum hotels. This proactive stance underscores the council's commitment to safeguarding its equalities framework and protecting all residents.

Pension Fund Divestment Debate Sparks Call for Member Say

A notice of motion, initially submitted by Councillor Amna Saad Omar Abdullatif, raised concerns about investments in arms companies by the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF). The motion highlighted a lack of member consultation and a previous unimplemented motion to divest from fossil fuels and arms sales. An accepted amendment called for new legislation to grant members greater say in pension fund investments and demanded a phased 12-month plan to divest from companies complicit in genocide and illegal occupation. The council's representative on the GMPF management committee is to introduce a motion to halt new investments in weapons manufacturing and begin divestment. This move reflects a growing public and political demand for ethical investment practices.

Capital Programme Boosts Homeless Accommodation and Infrastructure

The Council also approved recommendations for the capital programme, including a £4.3m increase for Neighbourhoods to acquire Finlay's Yard for temporary accommodation for homeless families. A further £2.064m was allocated for Highways Services for essential road and footway maintenance. These investments demonstrate a commitment to addressing immediate needs for vulnerable residents and maintaining vital infrastructure.

For more details on these discussions, please refer to the Council meeting documents.

This week in Manchester:

New Filipino Kitchen Faces Objections Over Alcohol Sales and Noise

The Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel met on Monday 24 August 2026 to consider an application for a new premises licence for Mamaz Filipino Kitchen. The proposal to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises has drawn objections from a local resident and the council's Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team (LOOH).

Concerns raised by the resident include the potential for increased alcohol sales to disrupt the residential character of the Albert Park Conservation Area and contribute to a concentration of hospitality venues. Worries about increased crime, disorder, anti-social behaviour, noise, litter, and public nuisance were also cited, particularly due to the premises' proximity to Moor Allerton Preparatory School.

While agreements were reached with the LOOH team and Trading Standards regarding noise and child protection measures, the core issue of alcohol sales and their potential impact on the neighbourhood remains a point of contention. The panel must weigh the applicant's proposals for responsible service against the community's concerns.

The proposed operating hours for Mamaz Filipino Kitchen are Thursday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The sale of alcohol would be permitted during these times. The applicant, Yes Lah Ltd, has outlined measures to promote licensing objectives, including staff training and CCTV.

For more details on these discussions, please refer to the Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel meeting documents.

Former Care Home Conversion to Primary School Sparks Traffic and Noise Debates

The Planning Committee met on Thursday 27 August 2026 to consider a significant change of use application for the former Westwood Nursing Home at 69 Crumpsall Lane, Manchester, M8 5SR. The proposal is to convert the building into an independent primary school, including early years provision, a move that has generated considerable local opposition.

Residents have voiced strong objections regarding increased traffic and parking pressures, potential noise pollution, and the proposed use being out of character with the surrounding area. These concerns are particularly acute given the site's location and the potential for increased congestion on Crumpsall Lane and surrounding streets.

The applicant, Binas Yisachar, which serves the Belz Chasidic community, has provided further information, including a transport assessment, to address these issues. They argue that private car use will be lower than at a typical school due to community practices, and that the school's catchment area is highly localised. However, the report notes that if members remain concerned about the perceived likelihood of increased traffic, refusal could be considered.

The committee also considered an application for a new place of worship at 114 Chain Road, Manchester, M9 6GN. This proposal, which involves demolishing existing buildings, has also faced numerous objections from residents and local schools. Concerns include increased traffic, parking, air pollution, noise, and the loss of the former convent building. The applicant initially sought capacity for 1,500 visitors, later revised to 1,100 following highway concerns.

These planning decisions will have a direct impact on the daily lives of residents, affecting traffic flow, noise levels, and the character of these neighbourhoods.

For more details on these discussions, please refer to the Planning Committee meeting documents.

Other Matters

The Manchester Partnership Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday 25 August 2026 was cancelled.

This week in Manchester:

Licence Review for Arnero Restaurant Sparks Concerns Over Public Safety and Crime

The Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel met on Monday 17 August 2026 to consider a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for Arnero Restaurant, a venue that has drawn objections from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Licensing Out of Hours Compliance Team (LOOH). The core of the concern lies in the potential for the event, planned for Manchester Pride, to undermine public safety and contribute to crime and disorder.

Arnero Restaurant, located at 25 Sackville Street, Manchester, M1 3LZ, sought permission for an event from 28 August to 31 August 2026. The proposal included serving food and drinks in its ground floor area, a fixed pergola, and an outdoor section, with an expected attendance of up to 90 people.

However, GMP and LOOH raised significant objections, citing a lack of proposed SIA security staff for late-night hours (23:00-02:00), insufficient details on safeguarding for under-18s, and no information on CCTV usage or alcohol promotion policies. These omissions, they argued, could jeopardise the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm.

The panel was tasked with deciding whether to issue a counter-notice to the TEN, effectively refusing the event, or to impose conditions. This decision highlights the council's crucial role in balancing the desire for vibrant city events with the paramount need to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and attendees.

For more details on these discussions, please refer to the Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel meeting documents.

Driver Licence Reviews Dominate Licensing and Appeals Sub Committee Agenda

The Licensing and Appeals Sub Committee Hearing Panel convened on Monday 17 August 2026 to address a series of reviews and renewals for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licences. These decisions directly impact the safety and reliability of public transport for Manchester residents.

The panel was scheduled to consider reviews for individuals identified as AA, GM, and MAN, alongside a renewal for NC and a new application for OH. Additionally, a review for WH was on the agenda. While the specific details of each case were not publicly available due to the nature of personal licence information, the process of reviewing and renewing driver licences is a vital mechanism for ensuring that all licensed drivers meet the council's standards for public safety and professional conduct.

The committee also had the discretion to consider urgent business and any appeals from the public regarding background documents or confidential agenda items. The panel was recommended to agree to exclude the public from discussions involving exempt information, as permitted under the Local Government Act 1972. This ensures that sensitive personal information is handled appropriately while maintaining transparency where possible.

For more details on these discussions, please refer to the Licensing and Appeals Sub Committee Hearing Panel meeting documents.

This week in Manchester:

Late-Night Venues and Street Trading Under Scrutiny: Licensing Panel Considers Objections

The Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel met on Monday 10 August 2026 to consider applications that could significantly impact the city's nightlife and street trading landscape. The panel reviewed proposals for a new bar and shisha lounge, alongside two temporary event notices, all of which attracted objections from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team (LOOH).

Avan Lounge & Bar: Extended Hours Raise Crime and Disorder Concerns

A key focus was the application for a new premises licence for Avan Lounge & Bar, located at Unit 4, 163-165 Great Ducie Street, Manchester, M3 1FF. The applicant sought permission for the venue to operate as a restaurant, bar, and shisha lounge with live music, recorded music, and entertainment until 5 am from Thursday to Sunday, and to sell alcohol during these extended hours.

However, the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team recommended refusal due to concerns that these extended hours could increase the risk of crime and disorder. Trading Standards proposed granting the licence with additional conditions, such as Challenge 25 signage and staff training on age verification, to protect children from harm. The panel's decision will directly affect the safety and amenity of the surrounding area, particularly for residents living nearby.

Temporary Event Notices for Club 94 and Platt Fields Market Garden Face Police Objections

Two Temporary Event Notices (TENs) also came under scrutiny due to objections from Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

• Club 94: A TEN for an event at 94-96 Grosvenor Street, Manchester, M1 7HL on Saturday, 15 August 2026, was objected to by GMP. Concerns were raised about the lack of detailed information regarding security, event activities, provisions for under 18s, and measures to prevent crime and disorder. GMP recommended serving a counter notice, which would effectively refuse the event as proposed.
• Platt Fields Market Garden: A TEN for a Caribbean Festival - Roots Reggae Rum event at Platt Fields Park, Wilmslow Road, Manchester on Saturday, 15 August 2026, also faced similar objections from GMP. The police highlighted a lack of essential information, including details on security, event management, and measures to prevent public nuisance.

These objections underscore the importance of thorough planning and risk assessment for temporary events, especially those involving large numbers of people and alcohol. The council's role is to ensure that such events do not negatively impact public safety or create undue nuisance for residents.

For more details on these discussions, please refer to the Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel meeting documents.

Street Trading Applications Reviewed by Licensing and Appeals Panel

The Licensing and Appeals Sub Committee Hearing Panel also met on Monday 10 August 2026 to consider applications for street trading consent. The panel reviewed applications for two vendors, K2 Mango Stall and Mum's Kitchen, as well as addressing any urgent business and appeals.

K2 Mango Stall and Mum's Kitchen Seek Street Trading Consent

The panel was scheduled to consider applications for street trading consent for:

• K2 Mango Stall: Located at 32 Hamilton Road, Manchester, M13 0PE.
• Mum's Kitchen: For a pitch described as the street at end of Howarth Timber mesh fence, just before entrance to No. 13 .

Decisions on street trading consent directly impact local businesses and the vibrancy of our streetscapes. The panel's considerations ensure that street trading operates in a regulated and orderly manner, contributing positively to the local environment.

For more information on these discussions, please refer to the Licensing and Appeals Sub Committee Hearing Panel meeting documents.