The Licensing Sub Committee Hearing Panel of Manchester Council is scheduled to consider an application for a variation to a premises licence. The primary focus of the meeting will be an application concerning Southern Fried Chicken, located at 264 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M14 6JR.

Application for Premises Licence Variation - Southern Fried Chicken

The committee is scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Southern Fried Chicken, located at 264 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M14 6JR. The application seeks to extend the permitted hours for the provision of late-night refreshment until 3:00 AM, Monday to Sunday. It also proposes to remove the existing permissions for the sale of alcohol and the playing of recorded music from the licence, as these activities are no longer required. The applicant also wishes to update the premises' layout plan.

The report pack indicates that this application has attracted objections from responsible authorities, specifically Greater Manchester Police and the Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team.

Greater Manchester Police have raised concerns that the proposed CCTV condition is not robust enough and that the applicant has not proposed the use of SIA registered security staff, despite intending to operate until 3:00 AM in a busy night-time economy area. They note that the premises is situated in a residential area within the Fallowfield Special Policy Area, where the policy is to refuse late-night economy applications except in exceptional circumstances. The police believe that the licensing objectives will not be promoted and that no exceptional circumstances have been detailed, requesting the application be refused.

The Licensing and Out of Hours Compliance Team also highlight that the premises is located within the Fallowfield Special Policy Area. They state that the policy is to refuse applications for hot-food takeaways and delivery services for service on the premises after 11:00 PM, except in exceptional circumstances. The team notes that the applicant has not acknowledged this special policy or offered adequate conditions to address concerns regarding noise, litter, or anti-social behaviour. They also raise concerns about the potential disturbance to residents from delivery vehicles, particularly from the rear of the premises, and the impact on litter management in the area. The team recommends refusal of the application.

The report pack also details the Manchester City Council's Statement of Licensing Policy¹, which outlines the council's approach to licensing, including specific policies for areas like Fallowfield. The policy aims to balance economic growth with the promotion of the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The committee will consider the application in light of these representations and relevant policies, including the Secretary of State's Guidance to the Licensing Act 2003² and the National Licensing Policy Framework³. The report pack includes the application form, the current premises licence, representations received, and a proposed schedule of conditions.