The Licensing Panel of Harrow Council met on Tuesday 28 May 2024 to consider an application for a new premises licence for a McDonald's restaurant and drive-through. The panel granted the licence, allowing the drive-through to operate 24 hours a day and the restaurant area to serve late-night refreshment until midnight, subject to amended conditions.

McDonald's Restaurant and Drive-Thru, Shaftesbury Circle, South Harrow

The Licensing Panel considered an application for a new premises licence for the McDonald's restaurant and drive-through located at Shaftesbury Circle, South Harrow. The application sought to extend the hours for late-night refreshment, allowing the drive-through to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the restaurant area to serve until midnight.

The application had attracted two representations from local residents, Ms. Arti Halligan and Mr. Daniel O'Riden, who raised concerns about potential increases in antisocial behaviour, noise nuisance, and litter. The police had initially submitted a representation, but this was resolved after the applicant agreed to additional conditions.

During the hearing, Ari Mavani, the owner of the McDonald's franchises in Harrow, presented the case for the extended hours. She highlighted the business's commitment to community engagement, including regular litter picks and donations to local initiatives. Ms. Mavani explained that the extended hours were primarily for the drive-through and delivery services, with the in-store restaurant closing at midnight. She also noted that the premises had been operating under a temporary licence with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays throughout much of 2024, providing data on trade trends.

Ms. Mavani addressed the residents' concerns by detailing the existing litter control measures, which go beyond the licence requirements, and the investment in acoustic fencing around the drive-through. She also stated that the police had not reported any crime or disorder linked to the extended hours. The applicant also highlighted that a 24-hour operation would enhance staff safety by allowing staff to travel to and from work during less busy periods.

The panel questioned the applicant on various points, including the provision of additional bins, communication channels for residents, the management of delivery drivers' parking, and the specifics of CCTV recording. The applicant confirmed a willingness to install more bins on the premises and to work with delivery partners to ensure responsible parking. They also clarified that their email address and phone number are available to residents for reporting concerns.

Regarding the extended hours, the applicant provided data from their temporary licence operation, indicating that traffic volume decreased significantly after 2 am. They also explained that delivery drivers would continue to collect orders from within the restaurant, which would remain accessible to them.

The panel also inquired about other McDonald's branches operated by the applicant that are already open 24 hours. Ms. Mavani confirmed that several branches, including one on Alberton off Hanger Lane and another at Brent Park, operate 24/7, with the Wembley Asda branch also transitioning to 24-hour operation. She emphasised that the South Harrow branch's application was for drive-through only during the extended hours, acknowledging its location within a residential area.

After deliberation, the panel decided to grant the licence. The drive-through will be permitted to operate for late-night refreshment for 24 hours, and the restaurant area will be allowed to serve late-night refreshment until midnight. This decision is subject to amended conditions, which will be sent to the applicant within five working days. These conditions will incorporate the points discussed during the oral submissions, including the clarification that the alfresco area refers to the outdoor seating area, including the Playland.