The Licensing Sub-Committee B of Carmarthenshire Council met on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, to consider an application for a premises licence for McDonald's at Tesco Car Park, Ffordd William Walker, Ammanford. The committee granted the application, subject to agreed licence conditions, after considering representations from responsible authorities and local residents.

Application for a Premises Licence: McDonald's, Ammanford

The Licensing Sub-Committee B unanimously resolved to grant the application for a premises licence to McDonald's Restaurant Limited for their site at Tesco Car Park, Ffordd William Walker, Ammanford, SA18 2LR. The licence permits late-night refreshment from Monday to Sunday, 23:00 to 05:00, and opening hours from Monday to Sunday, 05:00 to 05:00.

The decision was made after careful consideration of representations from various parties. The Licensing Authority, represented by Licensing Lead Emyr Jones, submitted representations focusing on the need for precise and enforceable licence conditions, particularly given the premises' proximity to Hot Spots of alcohol-related crime and disorder in Ammanford town centre and nearby residential areas. Dyfed Powys Police and Environmental Health also submitted representations, which were subsequently agreed upon by the applicant, McDonald's Restaurant Limited. These agreements meant that representatives from the Police and Environmental Health did not need to attend the hearing.

Numerous local residents also submitted objections, detailed in Appendix F of the reports pack. Their concerns primarily revolved around potential increases in traffic, noise pollution, light pollution, and sleep deprivation, as well as fears of increased anti-social behaviour and litter. Residents also questioned the necessity of a 24-hour fast-food outlet in Ammanford, arguing it was not on a major overnight route and would primarily attract young people and those leaving public houses, leading to disturbances. Some residents also expressed concerns that the original planning permission had been granted based on different operating hours and that their voices were not being heard.

Mr. Charalambides, counsel for McDonald's, responded by stating that the application was for extended hours only and that many of the residents' concerns would have been addressed during the planning permission process. He highlighted the measures in place to mitigate adverse impacts, including McDonald's Anti-Social Behaviour Workbook and Litter Management Plan, as well as the provision of CCTV and staff training. He also noted that the three responsible authorities had not opposed the application, subject to agreed conditions.

In reaching its decision, the Sub-Committee found that there was no significant evidence of pre-existing crime, disorder, or anti-social behaviour at the Tesco store car park. While acknowledging the proximity to a crime and disorder hotspot and residential premises, the Sub-Committee gave significant weight to the fact that the applicant had accepted additional licence conditions proposed by the Responsible Authorities, who did not object to the application subject to these conditions. The Sub-Committee noted that similar conditions had been applied to another McDonald's premises in Carmarthenshire without issue.

The Sub-Committee stated that it was bound by strict legal requirements under the Licensing Act 2003 and could not take into account issues of need or planning requirements, nor duplicate other statutory regimes. Concerns and fears not supported by real evidence were also not considered. Ultimately, the Sub-Committee was satisfied that granting the application, subject to the agreed licence conditions, would not undermine the licensing objectives and that these conditions were an appropriate response to the issues raised. The Sub-Committee also noted a commitment from McDonald's to work with local litter-picking initiatives.