The 'unusual application' that means tower block residents will be able to buy alcohol from a vending machine

Owners of an apartment complex have been given permission to sell alcohol from a vending machine despite concerns from public health it could be used by under 18s.

T1 Union East Tower, an incomplete co-living space with 871 rooms available for short-term leases, has been permitted a new premises licence to sell alcohol and provide live music events on its ground and first floors. This ‘unusual application’ as described by Tony Lyons, representing applicants Vita Living, is to ‘provide amenity and provide a place that has a good atmosphere which is a great place to live’ for young professionals. 

Manchester Council’s Licensing Sub-committee heard how the first floor provides space for residents to sit and relax which could also play host to different bespoke events for members of the accommodation.

The Water Street site – within the former home of Granada Studios in the St John’s neighbourhood – includes a plan to provide a vending machine which requires access to a phone application only a resident can use. Laura Parker, representing the public health team objected to the idea of this machine, stating an under 18 could still use this machine without the requirement of age verification or providing identification.

“I am still concerned that this application can’t definitively protect children from harm,” Ms Parker told Manchester Town Hall. “You are proposing to operate an alcohol vending machine that doesn’t provide technology to require age verification.”

In response, Mr Lyons said the likelihood an under 18 without the phone app could access the accommodation, use someone else’s phone and then purchase alcohol without the concierge knowing is ‘close to zero’. 

He added: “We are convinced you are worried about an issue that doesn’t exist.”

The sub-committee took into account public health concerns and added a condition to the licence that required the Challenge 25 policy be implemented for the vending machine. This means people wanting to use the machine need to be checked by a staff member on reception first.