Plans for a new chicken takeaway and convenience store in South London have encountered significant opposition from authorities over proposals to sell alcohol on the premises. The Metropolitan Police has joined forces with Bexley Council's Licensing and Environmental Health teams to formally object to the application.
Controversial Plans for Belvedere Unit
RJK Chicken Ltd intends to open Chicken World and JRR Local Store in a former takeaway unit on Nuxley Road in Belvedere. The company has stated in application documents that it has completely revamped the premises after the previous food outlet proved unsuccessful, promising that the new venture would be managed by an experienced team.
The proposed establishment would operate as part of the Chicken World chain, with a section of the unit converted into a convenience store offering groceries, sweets, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. This dual-purpose approach has become the focal point of regulatory concern.
Authorities Raise Serious Concerns
In detailed objection letters, both the Metropolitan Police and council officers have requested that the applicant completely abandon plans to sell alcohol and substantially reduce proposed opening hours. The police objection specifically highlighted that late operating hours could lead to a potential increase in crime and disorder along with antisocial behaviour.
The police statement elaborated that "customers who have been drinking may then congregate in the street to eat food late at night, causing a nuisance". This concern reflects broader worries about public safety and community disturbance in the residential area.
Licensing Team's Firm Stance
Bexley Council's Licensing Team reinforced these objections, stating unequivocally that there was "no requirement to retail alcohol, or deliver alcohol, with orders". Their assessment concluded that the risk of serving intoxicated customers outweighs any perceived need for alcohol sales within the establishment.
Originally, RJK Chicken Ltd applied for a premises licence permitting alcohol sales from 7am until 1am daily within the convenience store section. Following initial objections, the company revised these hours to midnight from Sundays through Thursdays, extending to 12:30am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Potential Compromise and Conditions
Authorities have suggested that a compromise might be possible if alcohol sales were restricted exclusively to delivery orders. However, a council officer's report indicates that the applicant had not responded to this specific proposal at the time documents were prepared for the upcoming hearing.
The applicant has offered several conditions to accompany the proposed licence, including maintaining comprehensive CCTV coverage, keeping detailed incident logs, and implementing thorough staff training programmes. These measures represent standard licensing requirements designed to promote responsible alcohol retailing.
Decision Pending from Licensing Committee
The final determination now rests with Bexley Council's Licensing Committee, which is scheduled to consider the application on January 26. This decision will balance business interests against community protection concerns, setting an important precedent for similar establishments in the borough.
The outcome will significantly influence whether Chicken World and JRR Local Store can proceed with their original business model or must operate under restricted conditions that exclude alcohol sales entirely. The case highlights ongoing tensions between commercial development and regulatory oversight in London's food and beverage sector.
