The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a variation to a premises licence for McDonald's on Kettering Road, Northampton. The meeting's agenda also included standard procedural items.

Application for a Full Variation of a Premises Licence

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a full variation of a premises licence for McDonald's, located at Kettering Road, Northampton, NN3 6AA. The application sought to extend the restaurant's licensable hours for the provision of late-night refreshment to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This would align with the premises' planning permission.

The report pack indicated that the existing licence authorises the provision of late-night refreshment between 11:00 pm and midnight, Monday to Sunday. The restaurant's opening hours are currently from 6:00 am to midnight daily. The proposed variation would extend the licensable activity to cover the entire 24-hour period.

During the consultation period for this application, the licensing department received several representations from interested parties and responsible authorities. These representations primarily focused on concerns related to the prevention of public nuisance licensing objective, citing potential increases in anti-social behaviour, littering, noise, and unpleasant odours.

The report pack also noted that a previous application for a similar variation was refused by the Sub-Committee on 2 January 2026. That decision was the subject of an appeal to Northampton Magistrates' Court, with a direction hearing scheduled for 24 March 2026. The current application was presented with an updated operating schedule, detailing steps the licence holder intends to take to promote the licensing objectives.

The report outlined the potential issues arising from the representations, including concerns about increased anti-social behaviour, littering, noise, and road safety. The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider whether to modify the conditions of the premises licence or reject the application, in line with the promotion of the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The report also referenced the Northampton Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026 and provided detailed legal commentary on the determination of such applications, including guidance from the Secretary of State under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003. This guidance emphasises that decisions must be evidence-based, proportionate, and focused on the promotion of the licensing objectives, considering the specific merits of each application.

The report pack included copies of the application form, relevant representations received, and the existing premises licence. The representations themselves raised a number of objections, including concerns about the suitability of a 24/7 operation in a residential area, the potential for increased noise and litter, and the impact on local amenity. Some objectors also questioned the necessity and nature of the jobs created by such extended hours.