The Licensing Sub-Committee of Sutton Council met on Monday 10 August 2026 to consider a licence application for KFC in Worcester Park and to discuss the council's hearings procedure. The meeting's agenda also included the approval of minutes from previous meetings.

Licence Application for KFC, Worcester Park

The primary item scheduled for discussion was a licence application for KFC at 114 Central Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8HT. The application sought to vary the existing premises licence to extend opening hours and hours for late-night refreshment. Specifically, the proposal was to extend opening hours from 09:30 to 01:00 the following morning from Monday to Thursday, and from 09:30 to 03:00 the following morning on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, the proposed hours were 09:30 to 00:00. Additionally, new conditions were proposed for the licence.

The report pack indicated that the premises currently benefits from a licence authorising late-night refreshment until 00:00 from Sunday to Thursday and until 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The proposed variation would significantly extend these hours.

The application had been advertised, and the council had received thirty valid representations from Other Parties ¹. These representations primarily related to the licensing objectives of the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm. The report pack included these representations, detailing concerns about increased motorbike activity, noise levels, potential for unknown activities, light pollution, petrol fumes, and the employment of unlicensed drivers or illegal migrants. Concerns were also raised about the potential for the branch to become a late-night regional delivery hub/depot due to its extended hours and the distance to other drive-thru branches. Specific issues mentioned included deafening engine noise, disruptive driver conversations, littering, and the potential for anti-social behaviour. Some representations also highlighted existing issues with commercial waste collection times and the management of the premises' external impacts.

The report pack also detailed the council's licensing objectives, which include the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The Sub-Committee was asked to determine the application, considering the representations received and any evidence presented, with options including granting the application as requested, granting it with conditions, excluding licensable activities, or rejecting the application.

Licensing Sub-Committee - Hearings Procedure

The meeting was also scheduled to include a discussion on the Licensing Sub-Committee's Hearings Procedure. This would have outlined the process followed by the committee when determining licensing applications, including the roles of parties involved, the procedure for making representations, and the decision-making process.