The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council is scheduled to consider an application for a variation to a premises licence. The meeting's agenda also includes the appointment of a chairman and the exclusion of the press and public for certain discussions.

Application for a Full Variation of a Premises Licence

A significant item on the agenda is the consideration of an application for a full variation of a premises licence for McDonald's, located at Kettering Road, Northampton, NN3 6AA. The application, submitted by Kazper Restaurants Limited, seeks to extend the restaurant's authorisation for late-night refreshment to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The current licence permits late-night refreshment between 11:00 pm and midnight, Monday to Sunday, with the premises open from 6:00 am to midnight daily. The proposed variation would align the licensable hours with the restaurant's planning permission for 24/7 operation. This application follows a previous refusal of a similar variation in January 2026, which was subsequently subject to an appeal to Northampton Magistrates' Court.

The report pack indicates that representations have been received from interested parties, primarily focusing on concerns related to the prevention of public nuisance licensing objective. These concerns include potential increases in antisocial behaviour, littering, noise, and unpleasant odours, as well as potential impacts on road safety. Some objectors have highlighted that the restaurant is situated in a predominantly residential area, which they believe makes 24-hour operation unsuitable. One representation states:

The Sub-Committee refused the previous application because the restaurant is in a predominantly residential area, and late-night operation would cause public nuisance, especially from cars, engines, door-slamming, queuing and delivery drivers. All of that is still true. The location hasn't changed. The residential character hasn't changed. The risks haven't changed.

The applicant has submitted an updated operating schedule, which includes proposed steps to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. These proposed measures include a comprehensive CCTV system, a Staffsafe system, staff training, litter patrols, and encouraging customers to leave quietly.

The sub-committee will need to determine the appropriate action for the variation application, which could involve modifying the conditions of the premises licence or rejecting the application in whole or in part. The decision will be made having regard to the promotion of the licensing objectives, relevant representations received, statutory guidance issued under the Licensing Act 2003, and the Northampton Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026.

The meeting is also scheduled to consider the exclusion of the press and public for a specific item, as detailed in the agenda.