The Licensing Sub-Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham Council was scheduled to discuss a variation application for a premises licence at Wendy's, 563 Fulham Road, London, SW6 1ES. The application sought to extend the hours for late-night refreshment and amend opening hours, which had generated significant objections from local residents and community groups.

Wendy's, 563 Fulham Road, London, SW6 1ES

The primary item scheduled for discussion was a variation application for the premises licence of Wendy's, located at 563 Fulham Road, London, SW6 1ES. The applicant, GH Burgers Ltd, sought to extend the hours for late-night refreshment and amend the premises' opening hours.

The application proposed to remove the sale of alcohol from the licence. The requested extended hours for late-night refreshment were initially from 23:00 to 05:00 daily, with opening hours from 07:00 to 05:00 daily. Following discussions with the Police Licensing team, these hours were amended to:

• Late Night Refreshment (Indoors and Outdoors): Sunday to Thursday, 23:00 to 01:00; Friday and Saturday, 23:00 to 03:00.
• Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 07:00 to 01:00; Friday and Saturday, 07:00 to 03:00.

These proposed hours were met with significant objections from local residents and community groups, including the Barclay Road Residents, Vanston Place Management Company, Fulham Island Residents Association (FIRA), and other local residents. Concerns raised in the representations focused on the potential for increased crime and disorder, public nuisance, and a negative impact on public safety, particularly during the later hours. Residents highlighted the proximity of residential properties and the existing issues in the Fulham Broadway area.

The applicant, GH Burgers Ltd, provided a response to these objections, outlining measures such as the removal of alcohol sales, the employment of a licensed door supervisor on Friday and Saturday nights, the maintenance of an incident log, and the implementation of a dispersal policy. They also detailed plans for noise mitigation, delivery driver management, and community contribution. The applicant stated that they operate numerous Pizza Hut delivery units and have experience managing late-night premises, with other Wendy's locations in the UK operating with extended hours.

The council's Statement of Licensing Policy (SLP) was a key consideration, particularly regarding suggested closing times for late-night refreshment premises in town centres. Residents argued that the proposed hours significantly exceeded these policy guidelines and that the applicant had not provided sufficient justification for such an extension. The potential for cumulative impact from multiple licensed premises in the area was also a significant concern raised by objectors.

The report pack included various appendices detailing the current premises licence, the application form, agreements with the Police Licensing team and Environmental Protection team, a map of the premises and neighbouring properties, and copies of all representations received. Supplementary agendas provided further information from residents and the applicant, including detailed responses to objections and arguments regarding the impact of extended hours on the local community and the council's licensing policy.