The Licensing Sub-Committee (4) of Westminster Council met on Thursday 23 July 2026 to consider three applications for variations to premises licences. Two applications related to McDonald's restaurants, one on Edgware Road and another on Leicester Square, and the third concerned Chicken Valley on Edgware Road.

McDonald's, 178-180 Edgware Road, London, W2 2DS

The committee considered an application by Kylu Limited to vary the premises licence for McDonald's at 178-180 Edgware Road. The application sought to extend the opening hours and late-night refreshment hours from Sunday to Thursday to align with existing Friday and Saturday hours, meaning an extension until 2:30 am. This application was located within the Edgware Road Special Consideration Zone and fell outside Westminster's core hours policy.

Numerous representations were received from responsible authorities, including the Licensing Authority, Environmental Health, and the Metropolitan Police, all objecting to the application. They cited concerns about the potential for increased crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety, particularly given the proximity to residential properties and the existing challenges within the Edgware Road Special Consideration Zone. Forty-three interested parties also submitted objections, echoing these concerns and highlighting issues such as anti-social behaviour, litter, and noise.

The applicant, represented by the owner, Rima Mavani, argued that the proposed extension was necessary to meet customer demand and that the restaurant operated differently from other late-night venues, as it does not sell alcohol. They proposed a range of additional conditions, including body-worn cameras for staff, enhanced delivery driver management, a StaffSafe system, daily litter patrols, and coded access for toilets. Councillor Barbara Azimano, representing the Marylebone Ward councillors, Councillor David Harvey (Chair), and Councillor Mohamed Elmi were present.

The committee heard extensive arguments from the applicant, responsible authorities, and interested parties. The applicant highlighted their commitment to community engagement and proposed numerous conditions to mitigate potential issues. However, objectors, including residents' associations and ward councillors, expressed significant concerns about the cumulative impact of extended hours on an already challenging area, citing issues such as drug dealing, intimidation, and litter. The police specifically noted that while the venue itself was not a crime generator, the area around it was.

The committee deliberated on the application, considering the arguments presented and the proposed conditions. The decision was not announced at the meeting, with the committee stating it would be made in five days.

McDonald's, 48 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7LU

The committee also considered an application for a new premises licence for McDonald's at 48 Leicester Square. The applicant, Capital Arches Group Limited, sought to extend late-night refreshment hours from the current 3 am to 5 am, seven days a week, effectively enabling 24-hour trading. This premises is located within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone.

Representations were received from the Licensing Authority, Metropolitan Police, and Environmental Health, all objecting to the application. They raised concerns about the potential for increased crime and disorder, public nuisance, and the strain on police resources, particularly given the high concentration of licensed premises and late-night activity in Leicester Square. The police highlighted the risk to intoxicated individuals and the potential for increased congregation and anti-social behaviour.

The applicant, represented by Claude Abi-Gerges, the franchisee and CEO of Capital Arches Group, presented a strong case for the extension. They highlighted their long operational history without licence reviews, their significant investment in the area, and their active participation in community safety initiatives, including funding My Local Bobby patrols and operating a registered Safe Haven. They also presented expert evidence suggesting the extended hours would not add to cumulative impact and could even have a positive effect on public safety by providing a managed space. Letters of support were submitted from neighbouring businesses, including the Hippodrome Casino and The Londoner Hotel, and the Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA).

The committee heard detailed evidence from the applicant's consultants, including a crime and disorder impact assessment and a licensing impact assessment, which concluded that the application was unlikely to undermine the licensing objectives. The applicant also detailed numerous proposed conditions, including reduced capacity after midnight, SIA door supervisors, CCTV, a StaffSafe system, enhanced litter management, and the continuation of their Safe Haven provision.

The committee deliberated on the application, weighing the applicant's extensive mitigation measures and community contributions against the concerns raised by the responsible authorities regarding cumulative impact and policy. The decision was not announced at the meeting.

Chicken Valley, 340 Edgware Road, London, W2 1EA

The final application considered was for a variation to the premises licence for Chicken Valley at 340 Edgware Road. The applicant, Shine Future Limited, sought to extend late-night refreshment hours from 1 am to 3 am, Monday to Sunday, and to extend the overall opening hours to 3 am. This premises is also located within the Edgware Road Special Consideration Zone.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police and Environmental Health. The police objected on the grounds of potential increases in crime and disorder, citing the Edgware Road's crime corridor and the policy regarding fast-food premises in such areas. Environmental Health raised concerns about potential increases in public nuisance due to the proposed hours exceeding core hours.

The applicant's agent, Joshua Simons, presented the case. The police recommended that if the licence were granted, sales to the public should cease at 1 am, with only third-party deliveries permitted between 1 am and 3 am. Alternatively, they proposed a series of conditions, including SIA door supervisors on Friday and Saturday nights, risk assessments for SIA at other times, and enhanced staff training. Environmental Health indicated that further conditions might be proposed after a site visit.

The committee deliberated on this application, considering the policy implications for a fast-food premises within a special consideration zone and the concerns raised by the police and environmental health. The decision was not announced at the meeting.

The committee indicated that decisions for all three applications would be announced within five days.