The Licensing Sub-Committee of Merton Council convened to consider a licensing application. The main item on the agenda was a review of the premises licence for McDonald's, Ground Floor, 1-3 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1PS. The meeting also covered standard opening procedures.

Here's a breakdown of the key items that were scheduled for discussion:

McDonald's Licensing Application

The sub-committee was scheduled to review an application from ILS Operations Limited, the premises licence holder for the McDonald's located at 1-3 The Broadway, Wimbledon. The company applied to vary the existing premises licence, seeking permission to:

• Amend the opening hours to 05:00 to 05:00 every day, effectively operating 24/7.
• Extend the hours authorised for late-night refreshment to 23:00 to 05:00 every day, allowing in-store access, takeaways, and deliveries during these hours.

According to the report pack, the proposed changes would allow customers to access the restaurant 24/7 and remove restrictions that limit service to takeaway or delivery only at certain times.

Objections

The council received a representation from Dick Bower, Chair of Friends of Wimbledon Town, objecting to the granting of the licence. The group raised concerns regarding:

• Crime and disorder: Arguing that a 24/7 McDonald's would attract late-night drinkers and potentially lead to fights, rowdiness, and increased litter.
• Public safety: Suggesting that the presence of an open food outlet could create opportunities for fights and drug dealing, posing a risk to residents.
• Public nuisance: Claiming that a large and boisterous crowd could make ordinary citizens nervous of passing through the area late at night.

• Protection of children from harm: Expressing concern that it could encourage teenagers to spend the night in a fast-food outlet rather than getting adequate rest.

  Dick Bower stated:

  If this licence is granted, McDonald's would be the only food outlet open 24/7 in Wimbledon Town... As such, it will act as a magnet drawing in late-night drinkers from both north and south of Wimbledon Bridge.

Applicant's Stance

ILS Operations Limited, represented by Lorna Jolly of Shoosmiths LLP, outlined several steps they intended to take to promote the four licensing objectives¹ as a result of the proposed variation. These included measures related to:

• General: A commitment to protecting staff and customers and working in partnership with responsible authorities and local communities.
• Prevention of crime and disorder: Operating a CCTV system, utilising a Staffsafe™ system with audio and visual monitoring, training staff in conflict management, and managing delivery drivers to minimise noise and disruption.
• Public safety: Carrying out risk assessments for door supervisors, ensuring staff wear high-visibility clothing, and implementing safety systems.
• Public nuisance: Implementing measures to remove and prevent litter and limit noise.
• Protection of children from harm: Continuing to employ practices to ensure children are protected from harm, although they did not anticipate unaccompanied children using the restaurant during the extended hours.

The applicant also argued that allowing customers into the premises 24/7 would prevent issues with dispersal, as there would be no closing times to manage.

Existing Licence Conditions

The report pack included details of the existing premises licence, which authorised late-night refreshment between 23:00 and 01:00 on weekdays and Sundays, and until 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. It also outlined a number of existing conditions, including requirements for CCTV, door supervisors (based on risk assessments), litter control, and adherence to mandatory conditions under the Licensing Act 2003².

The Licensing Officer suggested that the sub-committee may wish to review and update the existing licence conditions to ensure they remain relevant. For example, updating the condition relating to CCTV to specify that the locations of cameras are approved by the Metropolitan Police.