The Licensing Panel C of Camden Council met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to consider two applications. The panel resolved to refuse the application for Wendy's to extend its late-night refreshment hours. The application for KFC was resolved prior to the meeting and was therefore not considered.

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

The panel considered an application to vary the premises licence for Wendy's to extend its late-night refreshment hours from 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays and midnight from Sunday to Thursday, to 05:00 seven days a week. The application also proposed several additional conditions.

Eleven relevant representations were received, with eight objecting to the application. Objectors included the Police, Licensing Authority, Environmental Health, two ward councillors, two residents' associations, and one resident. Three representations supported the application from residents.

The Police Responsible Authority, represented by PC Dominic Hallam, highlighted concerns about increased crime and disorder, particularly robberies and violence against women and girls, in the Camden Town area during late-night hours. They argued that extending Wendy's hours would negatively impact the licensing objectives and that insufficient had changed since a previous application was refused in June 2025. While acknowledging Wendy's as a responsible operator, the Police stated that the proposed hours would likely exacerbate existing issues in an area already identified as a crime hotspot.

Environmental Health, represented by Lee Perella, also objected on the grounds of preventing public nuisance. Concerns were raised about potential noise, loitering, and litter associated with later operating hours, particularly given the proximity to residential areas and the existing framework hours policy.

Representations from interested parties, including Kate Gemmell of TRACT and Councillor Pat Callaghan, echoed these concerns, emphasising the cumulative impact of late-night venues on residents and the potential for increased antisocial behaviour.

The applicant's representative, Leo Charalambides, argued that Wendy's was a responsible operator and that the proposed extension would contribute positively to the night-time economy by providing a safe, well-lit, non-alcohol-led alternative. Expert witness statements from Sylvia Oates and Darrell Butterworth were submitted, suggesting that Wendy's could operate safely and contribute to a more balanced and inclusive night-time economy, and that their operations did not demonstrably increase crime or disorder.

After deliberation, the Panel resolved to refuse the application. Members felt that the proposed extension to 05:00 was a significant increase from the current terminal hour of 01:00 and could negatively impact the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance. They noted that the applicant had not adequately addressed the concerns raised by the Responsible Authorities and interested parties regarding the potential for increased antisocial behaviour and the impact on the local area.

KFC, 53 Camden High Street, London NW1 7JH

The application to vary the premises licence for KFC was resolved prior to the meeting and was therefore not considered by the Panel.