Manchester Police respond to licensee concerns

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has denied claims it is being counterproductive by objecting to licensing applications in the city.

Publicans claimed the police were issuing objections to any premises applying to open after 4am.

GMP responded to a letter sent by Phil Burke of the licensees' group who urged the police to end its "unilateral stance against extended licenses within the city centre and allow these applications to be heard on their own merit instead of their present agenda for a blanket ban across the city".

Sergeant Jan Brown from GMP's City Safe unit said: "Each application for revised operating times is assessed on its own merits. So far, the majority of licensees in the city centre have been permitted to close at the time that they have applied for.

"Some premises, however, have requested to operate after 4am and these are currently being looked into. When deciding upon new opening hours, we have to ensure that the application fits in with Manchester's Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy, which promotes sensible drinking and the responsible management of licensed premises.

"We also have to consider the wider picture and the fact that Manchester does not just rely on its successful night-time economy, but is also the regional centre for finance, retail and culture. Do we want, for example, that particular premises to be closing at a time when members of the public are arriving at their place of work, or when children may be travelling through the area to school?"

The police say that some owners can choose to open until 4am if they do not serve alcoholic drinks.