The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 17 March 2026. The primary item on the agenda is an application for a full variation of a premises licence for McDonald's on Kettering Road, Northampton.

McDonald's Premises Licence Variation Application

The sub-committee is scheduled to consider an application for a full variation of a premises licence for McDonald's, located at Kettering Road, Northampton, NN3 6AA. The applicant, Kazper Restaurants Limited, seeks to extend the hours for the provision of late-night refreshment to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This would align with the restaurant's planning permission.

The report pack indicates that the existing licence authorises the restaurant to provide late-night refreshment between 11:00 pm and 12:00 am (midnight) daily. The proposed variation would extend this licensable activity to run from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am every day. The premises' opening hours are currently from 6:00 am to midnight daily, and the applicant wishes to extend these to 5:00 am to 5:00 am daily.

During the consultation period for this application, the licensing department received several representations from interested parties and responsible authorities. These representations primarily focus on concerns related to the prevention of public nuisance licensing objective, citing potential increases in antisocial behaviour, littering, noise, and unpleasant odours.

This is not the first time this application has been considered. A previous application for a similar variation was refused by the sub-committee on 2 January 2026. The applicant subsequently lodged an appeal with Northampton Magistrates' Court, which is scheduled for a direction hearing on 24 March 2026. The report notes that this new application must be determined on its own merits, despite the ongoing appeal.

The report pack outlines the steps the applicant intends to take to promote the four licensing objectives:

• Prevention of crime and disorder: The applicant proposes a comprehensive CCTV system, a Staffsafe™ system with audio and visual monitoring, and staff training, including SIA-accredited conflict management training for shift managers.
• Public safety: Staff will be trained to refuse entry to individuals carrying open alcohol containers.
• Prevention of public nuisance: Regular litter patrols will be conducted in the immediate vicinity of the premises. Staff will also be instructed to remind customers to leave quietly and to minimise noise from customers at entry/exit points and in external areas. Packaging will display recycling information.
• Protection of children from harm: All staff will receive training on recognising and responding to child protection concerns.

The sub-committee has the option to modify the conditions of the premises licence or reject the whole or part of the application. The report also details the legal framework under the Licensing Act 2003, including statutory guidance on promoting the licensing objectives and the process for hearings and decision-making.

The report pack includes copies of the application form, relevant representations received, and the existing premises licence. The representations lodged against the application raise concerns about increased traffic, noise, air pollution, litter, antisocial behaviour, and unhealthy smells, particularly given the premises' location within a predominantly residential area. Some objectors have highlighted that the proposed measures, such as CCTV and litter patrols, may not adequately address the issues arising from late-night vehicle activity.

The agenda also includes standard procedural items such as the appointment of a chairman for the meeting and declarations of interest. There is also an item regarding the exclusion of the press and public, should the members decide that exempt information needs to be discussed.

The members of the Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee who will consider this matter are Councillor Rosie Humphreys, Councillor Caroline Phillips, and Councillor Nigel Berrill. The meeting will be conducted remotely via Zoom.