McDonald's at 1-3 Market Square in Bromley town centre has applied to extend its opening hours until 5am on Fridays and Saturdays, currently closing at 3am. The fast food giant also seeks to reduce nighttime security staff from two to one, a condition already agreed with the Metropolitan Police.
Residents raise concerns over litter and anti-social behaviour
The application, to be considered by Bromley Council's Licensing Sub-Committee on July 9, has drawn four objections from the public. Opponents fear later hours will attract late-night revellers, increasing anti-social behaviour and noise. One objector said the town centre is already “an uncomfortable environment at night” and that residential streets are “plagued with discarded McDonald’s debris strewn everywhere”.
Objectors question security reduction
Another objector expressed confusion over the security guard reduction, stating: “Having additional security on site will not prevent anti-social behaviour in the surrounding area. I presume McDonald's are expecting troubled behaviour in their outlet for them to employ additional security.” They noted the lack of regular police presence at night and predicted increased litter.
Local councillors oppose extension
All three Bromley Town councillors have objected. Cllr Julie Ireland said: “We feel that extending the hours to overnight will have a detrimental effect on local residents, in terms of noise, litter and anti social behaviour. We also think the restaurant would become a magnet for late night crowds, especially when pubs and bars have closed. Apart from the effect on local residents, it would involve an extra strain on the police and of course require additional street cleaning.”
