The Licensing Sub-Committee of Bromley Council met on Thursday 9 July 2026 to consider applications for variations to premises licences for two businesses. The meeting's agenda included discussions on extending alcohol sales hours for Cray Express Ltd and extending late-night refreshment hours for McDonald's Restaurants.

Variation to Premises Licence for Cray Express Ltd

The committee was scheduled to consider a variation to the premises licence for Cray Express Ltd, located at 61 High Street, St Mary Cray, Orpington, BR5 3NJ. The application sought to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises. The proposed new hours for alcohol sales would be Monday to Sunday, from 06:00 to 22:30, an extension from the current licence which permits sales from 07:00 to 21:30 daily.

The report pack indicated that two valid objections were received from local residents. These objections raised concerns about potential public nuisance and crime and disorder, particularly regarding the extended hours and the impact on the local community. The applicant had agreed to additional conditions with the Metropolitan Police, including the installation and maintenance of a CCTV system, adoption of a 'challenge 25' scheme, staff training on the Licensing Act 2003 and conflict management, maintaining an incident register, and a refusals log.

The committee was asked to determine the application, taking into account the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 to 2030 and any representations made. The possible decisions included granting the application in full, granting it with amendments or additional conditions, excluding certain licensable activities, or refusing the application.

Variation to Premises Licence for McDonald's Restaurants

The committee was also scheduled to discuss a variation to the premises licence for McDonald's Restaurants at 1-3 Market Square, Bromley, BR1 1NA. This application proposed extending the opening hours for late-night refreshment on Fridays and Saturdays, effectively allowing for 24-hour operation on those days. Specifically, the hours for late-night refreshment were proposed to be extended from 03:00 to 05:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Additionally, the application sought to amend a condition on the licence, removing the requirement for two SIA registered door supervisors whenever licensable activities are taking place, and replacing it with a condition for one SIA registered door supervisor on Friday and Saturday nights from 23:00 to 05:00.

The report pack detailed that eight valid objections were received, including representations from ward councillors and members of the public. These objections primarily focused on concerns related to public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety, with specific worries about increased litter, noise, and the potential for the premises to become a magnet for late-night crowds.

Ten conditions had been agreed between the Metropolitan Police and the applicant, which were to be included on the licence if the variation was granted. These included requirements for a comprehensive CCTV system, a minimum of one SIA registered door supervisor on Friday and Saturday nights, a register of SIA staff, a written dispersal policy, the closure of the upstairs seating area from 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, monitoring of the immediate vicinity, prominent signage requesting customers to leave quietly, staff training on conflict management and protection of children, a designated Welfare Lead, and a procedure for managing delivery drivers.

The committee was to consider the application, representations, and agreed conditions in line with the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 to 2030 and relevant guidance. The potential outcomes were to grant the application in full, grant it with amendments or additional conditions, exclude certain activities, or refuse it.