The Licensing Hearing Sub Committee met to discuss an application for a variation of a premises licence for Windsor Local in Prestwich. The committee decided to grant the variation, which allows the store to extend its hours for selling alcohol off the premises until midnight. Concerns were raised by local residents and Councillor Alan Quinn, Cabinet Member Environment, Climate Change and Operations, about potential noise and antisocial behaviour.

Windsor Local, 89 Windsor Road, Prestwich, M25 0DB

The sub-committee approved the application for a variation of a premises licence for Windsor Local, allowing the store to sell alcohol off the premises from 7:00 am to 12:00 am, Monday to Sunday. The applicant, Sahiba Trading Ltd, stated that the extension of hours would help the small family-run business financially.

Three representations from interested parties had been received, raising concerns about potential noise, antisocial behaviour, and the impact on vulnerable people living nearby. One representor, who sent their representation on 25 August 2025, claimed that the shopkeeper had breached their licence in the past, and that there had been incidents of antisocial behaviour from customers outside the shop. Another representor, who sent their representation on 7 August 2025, raised concerns about noise pollution, disturbance to residents, safety concerns, increased traffic, negative impact on property values, and community cohesion. Councillor Alan Quinn also voiced concerns that the extended hours would create more noise and attract antisocial behaviour, given the store's proximity to the Bowker Vale Metrolink station.

In response to the concerns, Mrs Bhatia, one of the applicants, reminded the sub-committee that the neighbouring Morrisons store has a licence until midnight. She also stated that her store closes at 10:00 pm and that the extra hours of trading would only be used occasionally. Mr Bhatia, also an applicant, mentioned that he had already addressed noise concerns related to early morning deliveries at Morrisons by asking drivers to turn off their engines. The applicants also presented a video recording taken outside the nearby store to demonstrate the noise levels after 10:00 pm.

The Licensing Unit Manager clarified that the Morrisons licence was transferred in June from the former business at the location and that while Morrisons has the flexibility to trade between 7:00 am and midnight, they are not obligated to be open during those hours. He also reminded the committee that a review process is available should any representations be submitted from responsible authorities after the licence is approved, if the licensing objectives are not being met.

Councillor Debra Green, Chair, advised that if there were issues with nearby stores, the relevant authorities should be contacted.

The committee agreed to grant the variation in the terms requested, finding no causes for concern regarding the promotion of the licensing objectives¹. The existing conditions on the operating schedule related to the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm will remain in place. These include measures such as the operation of a CCTV system, staff training on the Licensing Act 2003, the maintenance of an incident book, and the implementation of a Challenge 25 policy.