A proposal by Manchester Beer Bike Limited to use a garage in Birkenhead for alcohol storage has met with significant opposition from local residents. The company, which operates multi-passenger 'beer bikes' in several UK cities, has applied for a premises license that will be decided by Wirral Council's licensing sub-committee on September 19.
The application seeks permission to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption from a lock-up garage on Heathbank Road. However, the plan has triggered concerns among community members regarding potential anti-social behaviour and public nuisance, leading to formal objections and a petition.
Key Takeaways
- Manchester Beer Bike Limited has applied for a premises licence for Garage Number 5 on Heathbank Road, Birkenhead.
- The application is for off-premises alcohol sales from 8 am to 9 pm daily.
- The plan has received objections from 13 neighbours and a petition signed by 33 people citing concerns over public nuisance.
- Wirral Council's licensing sub-committee will hold a public meeting on September 19 to decide the outcome.
- The company declined to comment on its plans, stating the application was a "private matter."
Details of the Licensing Application
Manchester Beer Bike Limited, a company established in January of this year, submitted an application to Wirral Council for a premises licence. The proposed location is a single lock-up garage, specifically Garage Number 5 on Heathbank Road, situated near St Catherine’s Hospital in Birkenhead.
The application requests permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises. The proposed operating hours for these sales are from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, seven days a week. This type of licence is often used for delivery services or storage hubs where alcohol is dispatched but not sold directly to the public on-site.
According to a report prepared for the council's licensing committee, the company has clarified the intended use of the garage. The report states, "they have stated that customers will not be permitted access to the licensed area (e.g. the garage) and that the premises will only be used to store alcohol, which will be appropriated to any sale of alcohol following the confirmation of a contractual order." This indicates the garage would function as a storage and distribution point rather than a customer-facing shop.
What is a 'Beer Bike'?
A 'beer bike', also known as a party bike or pedal pub, is a multi-passenger human-powered vehicle. Patrons typically pedal the vehicle along a set route while consuming beverages. These vehicles are popular for group celebrations and tours in city centres across Europe and the UK.
Significant Community Opposition Arises
The proposal has not been well-received by some members of the local community. Wirral Council has confirmed the receipt of numerous objections from people living in the vicinity of Heathbank Road.
In total, 13 individual neighbours have submitted written objections to the council. In addition to these letters, a petition opposing the application has been organised and signed by 33 local residents. This collective response highlights a strong level of concern within the immediate area.
The council's report summarises the nature of these objections. It notes that the comments "relate to concerns regarding potential anti-social behaviour and public nuisance being caused should the application be granted." Residents are worried that a business associated with alcohol and party bikes could lead to disturbances in their neighbourhood.
Opposition by the Numbers
- 13: The number of individual written objections from neighbours.
- 33: The number of signatures on a petition opposing the plan.
- 0: The number of representations received from responsible authorities like the police.
No Objections from Authorities
Despite the vocal opposition from residents, it is important to note that no formal objections have been lodged by any of the statutory responsible authorities. This includes key bodies such as Merseyside Police, who are typically consulted on all licensing applications.
The absence of police representation suggests that, from an official standpoint, the application does not currently raise significant concerns regarding crime and disorder based on the information provided by the applicant.
Company's Operations and Response
Manchester Beer Bike Limited operates its distinctive party bike tours in a number of major cities. The company's website advertises services in Liverpool, Bristol, Newcastle, Cardiff, and Edinburgh. It also has an international presence in Prague and Bratislava.
In Liverpool, the company offers a 60-minute tour around the Baltic Triangle and Hanover Street areas. A standard booking costs £400 and can accommodate up to 14 guests, who are permitted to bring their own drinks for the ride. The application in Birkenhead suggests a potential expansion or logistical hub for its Merseyside operations.
When the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) approached Manchester Beer Bike Limited for comment on their plans for Birkenhead and the reasons behind the application, the company was unwilling to provide details.
The LDRS was told the application was a private matter and there was no need for the press to be involved.
This response comes despite the fact that licensing applications are public documents and the subsequent committee meetings are held in public, accessible to both residents and the press. Exclusions are rare and require specific legal justification.
Next Steps: The Council Decision
The fate of the application now rests with Wirral Council's Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee. A public meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 19, where three councillors will convene to consider the proposal.
During the meeting, the committee will hear evidence and arguments from all parties involved. This will include representatives from Manchester Beer Bike Limited, who will have the opportunity to present their case and address the concerns raised. The residents who submitted objections will also be able to voice their opposition.
The councillors must make their decision based on the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. They will weigh the company's operational plan against the residents' concerns before either granting the licence, granting it with conditions, or refusing it entirely.