Plans to serve alcohol at a new Withington record shop could be signed off next week – but they have divided opinion in the borough.
Local councillors back the proposal, saying the recently-opened shop could become a ‘focal point’ for Withington village and that the owners have a successful track record in the city.
But the council’s licensing team want the application refused, arguing that it could lead to increased anti-social behaviour.
One resident said it could set a ‘totally inappropriate’ precedent for bars off the main high street.
opened on Egerton Crescent last month, with a party on Record Store Day.
Its bosses, who also own Junkyard Golf Club, are now asking for permission to serve alcohol at the premises until 10pm each evening. They’re also planning on doubling the size of the space and introducing a garden terrace outside.
The spot on Egerton Crescent used to be the home of Deco Records.
Councillors said they were ‘very saddened’ when it closed, and were pleased to see a new record shop springing up in its place.
Supporting the licensing plans, councillor Chris Wills wrote in a letter to the town hall: “It is clear that the owners are committed to making this a key focal point for Withington Village.
“This is especially welcome at a time when there is a big drive towards regenerating Withington village and helping it realise its full potential,” he said.
He added that the owner of the business lives nearby with his family, and is ‘committed’ to making a success of the business in a way that is ‘responsible and with due regard to other local residents.’
But the plans have drawn objections from a local group and the council’s out of hours licensing team.
A neighbouring resident wrote that they ‘seriously object’ to the licence.
“It would set a totally inappropriate precedent for bars off our main high street,” they said, adding that the area is a residential one.
But Wilderness Records bosses maintain they are first and foremost a record shop – not a bar – and that their opening hours do not make them a ‘late night’ venue.
Crime and disorder fears
Nevertheless, the town hall’s licensing team said they feared the business could become more ‘alcohol-led’ over time.
Withington already has ‘casual links to the high levels of crime and disorder,’ they said, adding that an alcohol licence could add to the ‘existing problematic profile.’
Wilderness Records coffee shop welcomed but alcohol licence opposed
They added: “Under the influence of alcohol there are serious concerns about the extent of public nuisance which could occur, such as noise nuisance from the premises.”
Withington Civic Society Planning Group also submitted their views, saying that while they ‘welcomed’ the record and coffee shop element of the business, they opposed the prospect of an alcohol licence.
Manchester council’s licensing committee will decide on the application on Tuesday 28 May.
