Off licence likened to Piccadilly Gardens 'vending machine' refused extra hours

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A Northern Quarter shop which wanted to sell alcohol 24 hours a day has been refused a late night licence after being likened to a 'vending machine' for anti-social behaviour hotspot Piccadilly Gardens at a town hall hearing.

Manchester Mini Market in Oldham Street will not be allowed to serve alcohol from a hatch between the hours of 11pm and 1am, a licensing panel has ruled.

Licence holder Joan Mary McGuire had originally asked for permission to sell booze for 24 hours a day, but she agreed with police to reduce this request.

However, Manchester council's licensing department was still concerned. Licensing out of hours officer Ben Moran said serving alcohol until 1am from a hatch is 'no more responsible than a vending machine in Piccadilly Gardens'. READ MORE: Manchester could face bin strikes as Biffa staff ballot He said: "Customers would be able to buy half litre single cans of half strength cider or special brew and partake in a chorus of intoxicated street drinking in and around Piccadilly Gardens and Back Piccadilly.