Takeaway in residential area of Manchester can stay open until 2am despite fury from neighbours

A takeaway has been granted a licence to stay open until late, despite complaints.

Frenchy’s, a fast food takeaway applied for a new late night takeaway licence until 5am after operating without one for over a year – as they did not know council permission was required. The meeting of the licensing sub-committee in the town hall heard how their business off Victoria Avenue depended on a late night trade in order to make money. But, the new licence request until the early hours of the morning has stirred up anger in the community, with a number of objections from both residents and the council’s own licensing team being submitted.

Coun Olusegun Ogunbambo, representing objecting residents in his ward of Blackley, spoke at the hearing to air local frustrations. He explained that there had never been a licence granted until 5am in this residential area of Manchester, claiming it was not a ‘24-hour ward’ like the city centre.

Coun Ogunbambo added that traffic measures would have to be put in place to deal with all the delivery vehicles being used for the business, which he said would cost the council extra money. In response, the applicant Muhammad Asrar explained they only use their own drivers who have hybrid and electric vehicles to make deliveries, which would not cause a disturbance.

Mr Asrar went on to tell the meeting he is a responsible member of the community and “would never do something that would harm it”. “I have been living here for over 14 years and I have never had any issues with my businesses or the police,” he said. “I can assure you I will do all I can (to prevent noise and nuisance).”

The sub-committee decided to partially approve the application following a deliberation. The late night licence only applies between 11pm and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays and all vehicles used for deliveries must be hybrids or electric cars in order to prevent excess noise in the area.

The sub-committee also approved an application for the extension of Wilbraham Market’s licence to sell alcohol at night. Previously, the Wilbraham Road establishment could only serve alcohol until 10pm at night. Following approval, the shop near Chorlton Park can now serve punters until midnight from Monday to Thursday and until 1.30am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.