The Licensing Panel C of Camden Council met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to consider applications to vary premises licences for two food establishments: Wendy's and KFC, both located on Camden High Street. The panel was scheduled to discuss proposed extensions to late-night refreshment hours and associated conditions, with representations received from responsible authorities, local residents, and community groups.

Wendy's, 189-191 Camden High Street, London NW1 7BP

The panel was scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Wendy's to extend its late-night refreshment hours from midnight (Sunday to Thursday) and 1 am (Friday and Saturday) to 5 am daily. The application also proposed amendments to conditions, including the prohibition of external speakers, the display of notices advising customers to keep noise to a minimum when leaving, and measures to manage delivery drivers and litter.

Representations opposing the application were received from the Metropolitan Police, the Licensing Authority, Environmental Health, two local councillors, two resident associations, and one resident. These objections primarily focused on concerns related to the prevention of public nuisance, public safety, and the prevention of crime and disorder, particularly in relation to the proposed late hours and the venue's location in a busy night-time economy area. Councillor Patricia Callaghan and Councillor Richard Cotton reiterated their previous objections to extended hours for this venue.

Supporting representations were received from three residents and one employee, who highlighted the potential for improved local amenities and increased employment opportunities.

Expert witness reports were also provided. Sylvia Oates of Six Till Six, a consultancy specialising in safe and welcoming social spaces, submitted a report arguing that the proposed operation aligns with policy objectives for a balanced and inclusive night-time economy, contributes to safeguarding, and supports the public realm. Darrell Butterworth, a licensing and security consultant and former Police Inspector, provided a report based on observations during the venue's current operating hours and under Temporary Event Notices. His report suggested that Wendy's currently promotes the licensing objectives and that extending its hours would not necessarily lead to an increase in crime or public nuisance, potentially offering a safer alternative to other late-night venues.

The police submitted statistical data and crime reports for the Camden Town area between midnight and 6 am, highlighting a high concentration of crime, including robberies and violence, in the vicinity of the premises. They argued that extending Wendy's hours would likely increase crime and disorder, undermining the licensing objectives.

KFC, 53 Camden High Street, London NW1 7JH

The panel was also scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for KFC to extend its late-night refreshment hours. The proposed variation included extending hours to midnight (Monday to Thursday) and 00:30 am (Friday and Saturday), with delivery and takeaway services permitted until 2 am daily. The application also sought to remove a condition prohibiting deliveries and collections between 10 pm and 8 am, and to amend opening hours to 10 am to 2 am daily.

Representations opposing the application were received from Environmental Health, a resident association, and a local resident. These objections focused on the prevention of public nuisance, public safety, and the prevention of crime and disorder, particularly concerning noise, litter, and the impact of extended delivery operations.

The Metropolitan Police initially raised concerns but subsequently agreed to terms with the applicant, leading to a revised proposal where only delivery orders would be permitted between midnight and 2 am (Monday to Thursday), 00:30 am and 2 am (Friday and Saturday), and 11 pm and 2 am (Sunday). Environmental Health also submitted representations, outlining concerns about noise, litter, and the potential for increased nuisance from delivery drivers, particularly on Miller Street. They recommended that the application be refused unless specific conditions were met, including restrictions on courier activity in Miller Street and ensuring deliveries were to verified addresses only.

The panel was also provided with the current premises licence details for both Wendy's and KFC, along with guidance notes on procedures for remote hearings and the council's statement of licensing policy.