Executive Member for the Environment

Mr Mark Ruby, who lives and works in Manchester, asked the following Question:

I wish to ask how the people of Manchester are going to celebrate the home coming of the FA Cup ? All the restaurants and bars on route have been told to not sell any alcohol during the hours of 16.00 and 20.00 on the Monday 23rd May this will encourage more street drinking, potential "pre loading" of alcohol and a crush on the licensed premises out of the closure zone. I trust all the off licences and supermarkets have been told to close also! This is not in the spirit of the leaders comments made yesterday "Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "City winning the FA Cup is a joyous occasion for many people in Manchester, myself included. It's only fitting that we host a public celebration of that achievement so fans can share the moment and enjoy the success!"  I look forward to a sensible and timely response.

Councillor Nigel Murphy, Executive Member for Environment, replied:

Thank you for your question.

The request that alcohol licensed premises along the route didn't sell alcohol during the time you have specified was made by GMP as a result of their risk assessment prior to the event and not by the Council. I can confirm that off licences were also requested not to sell alcohol from noon.

Manchester City Council has not received any complaints about premises not selling alcohol during these hours and I don't believe GMP has received any complaints either. As you will no doubt be aware the parade passed off without incident and was hailed a great success by all involved. This was in part due to restrictions placed on the sale of alcohol, which allowed members of the public to enjoy the parade without disturbance. 

26 May 2011