Westminster City Council has refused a McDonald's branch in central London permission to extend its weekday opening hours until 2.30am, following objections from residents and police. The Edgware Road restaurant, run by franchisee Kylu Ltd, had applied to align its weekday closing time with the 2.30am already allowed on weekends.
Background of the application
The current weekend hours were only secured in an out-of-court settlement in 2023, after McDonald's appealed a previous rejection for a 5am finish seven days a week. The latest application went before the council's Licensing Sub-Committee last week, with the decision now issued to interested parties.
Steven Thomas, Chair of the Harrowby and District Residents' Association (HDRA), who spoke against the proposal, said he is “grateful” to members of the sub-committee for taking account of the concerns raised. Objections were filed by numerous residents, local groups, and the Metropolitan Police.
Residents' concerns
David Strang, a nearby resident, initially neutral on the application, changed his mind, describing delivery drivers as “a scourge in our area, frankly, and anything that adds to the prospect of more delivery riders in our area, congregating outside, creating noise…even at 2.30 in the morning, is really something which we do not want to do.”
Mr Thomas warned that longer hours for take-out and delivery operations create higher levels of anti-social behaviour, noise, and litter. He questioned the applicant's claim that delivery drivers could be managed, stating: “It feels like such a faint promise, that they can be controlled. Their bikes are their only source of livelihood, so how confident can we be that they will abandon their bikes on the street and just go inside, particularly late at night?”
Applicant's response
Reema Mavani, owner and operator of the premises, told councillors that “every reasonable step has been taken to address the concerns that have been raised,” and argued the question was whether granting the application would undermine licensing objectives. Mr Thomas praised Ms Mavani's engagement but said the mitigations offered were insufficient.
Decision and reaction
The sub-committee deliberated the application last week, with the refusal communicated to interested parties. A full decision is to be published later. A McDonald's spokesperson said: “We respect the council’s decision on our appeal for extended operating hours and remain committed to continuing to serve the community within our current operating hours. We remain fully engaged with residents, to address any concerns they may have.”
