The Licensing Sub-Committee of Redbridge Council met on Tuesday 22 September 2026 to consider an application to vary a premises licence for KFC at 687 High Road, Seven Kings, Ilford. The committee was scheduled to discuss the proposed extension of operating hours for late-night refreshment and the hours the premises would be open to the public.

Application to Vary Premises Licence for KFC, Seven Kings

The main item scheduled for discussion was an application from GR Food Ltd, the licence holder for KFC at 687 High Road, Seven Kings, Ilford, IG3 8RQ, to vary its premises licence. The proposed variation sought to extend the hours for all types of dine-in and takeaway services from 11:00 to 02:00 daily, with delivery-only services continuing until 05:00. This represented a significant extension from the current licence, which permits late-night refreshment until 01:00 from Sunday to Thursday and 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, with the premises open to the public until those times respectively.

Representations were received from two responsible authorities: the Council's Licensing Enforcement Team and the Metropolitan Police. Both raised concerns that the proposed extension could undermine the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance.

The Metropolitan Police noted that the proposed operating hours would extend into a period when crime and disorder are generally more prevalent. They expressed concern that fast-food premises trading into the early hours can become focal points for individuals leaving licensed venues and that the increased presence of delivery drivers throughout the night could lead to disputes and anti-social behaviour. The police stated that the applicant had provided insufficient evidence to demonstrate how these risks would be mitigated.

The Licensing Enforcement Team echoed these concerns, highlighting the premises' location on a main road with residential properties above and nearby. They suggested that the extended hours could attract intoxicated individuals leaving nearby licensed premises, such as McCafferty's Public House, or those arriving via the Elizabeth Line from Central London, potentially leading to noise nuisance and crime. The team also raised concerns about noise from delivery drivers, vehicle activity, and customer congregations during the sensitive early morning hours, which could disturb residents. They concluded that the applicant had not provided a sufficient operating schedule to demonstrate how these issues would be mitigated.

The report pack outlined the procedure for licensing hearings, which would involve an officer presenting a factual summary, followed by the case for the applicant and any responsible authorities making representations. The Sub-Committee would then consider the evidence and make a decision in private. The report recommended that the Sub-Committee consider options including granting the application in whole or in part, with modifications, or rejecting it entirely.

The report also detailed the legal framework under the Licensing Act 2003, including the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. It referenced the Statutory Guidance issued by the Home Office and the Council's own Statement of Licensing Policy, which sets out framework hours for licensed restaurants and cafes in the Seven Kings area. The application was noted as seeking hours significantly beyond these recommended framework hours.

The report also touched upon financial and fairness implications, including considerations under the Equality Act 2010, and outlined the legal implications under the Human Rights Act 1998.

The meeting was scheduled to include procedural items such as apologies for absence, the election of a Chair, and declarations of interest, as well as a reminder about the procedure for licensing hearings. A motion to exclude the public was also listed, indicating that some business might be discussed in private.