Licensing Hearing Scheduled to Address Community Concerns
FALLOWFIELD, MANCHESTER – A local establishment known for its fried chicken is heating up the debate over late-night dining options. Allen's Fried Chicken, located at 327 Wilmslow Road, has formally requested an extension of its operating hours from the current late-night refreshment period of 11 PM to 3 AM, plus an extension to 4 AM on weekends, to a new schedule allowing service until 6 AM every day. The application is set to be evaluated in a licensing hearing scheduled for April 7, 2026.
Current Status of Allen's Fried Chicken
Under current regulations, Allen's Fried Chicken is permitted to operate from 8 AM to 3 AM daily, with an additional hour on Friday and Saturday nights. This has not stopped the shop from facing scrutiny over compliance with existing regulations. A recent observation by the Manchester council’s Licensing and Out of Hours Team (LOOH) identified that the establishment was found still serving customers well past the allowed hours, leading to a warning issued to the license holder, Mr. Basharat Hussain.
Police Objection Based on Community Disruption
The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have filed an objection against the proposed license extension, citing concerns that the altered hours could lead to increased disruption for residents in the surrounding area. Their formal letter to the council emphasizes the need to consider the impact on both crime and public nuisance, indicating that late-night operations could potentially exacerbate disturbances for local residents.
GMP's letter highlights that “the premises are situated in a residential area within the Fallowfield Special Policy area.” They argue that permitting additional late-night service would likely lead to increased noise and loitering that could disrupt the neighborhood, especially during the early morning hours.
Reports of Non-Compliance with Existing Licenses
The LOOH corroborated the police's concerns, stating that the observed violation highlights a disregard for both existing licensing conditions and community comfort. LOOH representatives have suggested denying the application for extended hours due to their observations and the potential for increased nuisance, particularly from late-night patrons entering and exiting the premises.
A spokesperson from LOOH stated, “This extension heightens the risk of public nuisance, particularly regarding noise from customers and the usual deliveries associated with a fast-food establishment.”
The Community Reaction
Residents of Fallowfield have expressed mixed feelings about the potential for Allen's Fried Chicken to become a late-night destination. Some community members believe that extended operating hours would provide convenience for late-night workers and party-goers, while others worry it could attract rowdy crowds and disrupt the peace in their neighborhood.
In light of this heated debate, the forthcoming hearing will be a crucial moment for both the business and the community, with the council anticipated to weigh the benefits of extended service hours against community safety and tranquility.
Conclusion and Next Steps
As the licensing subcommittee prepares for the April 7 hearing, both Allen's Fried Chicken and concerned residents will be watching closely. Given the established sentiments from local law enforcement and regulatory agencies, the outcome could significantly impact the fried chicken shop's future and the surrounding residential area's nighttime ambiance.
Community members interested in the outcome of the hearing should stay informed through local news sources and consider voicing their opinions to the Manchester council.
For updates, follow the Manchester Evening News and join discussions on local forums as this story develops.
