This meeting considered an application for a new premises licence for the Burger King at the Carnival Field Leisure Park in Wokingham.

Application for a new Premises Licence for Burger King, Wokingham

The Licensing and Appeals Hearings Sub Committee was asked to consider an application for a new premises licence for the Burger King at the Carnival Field Leisure Park in Wokingham. The applicant, BKUK Group Ltd, applied for a licence to sell late night refreshment from 11pm to 5am, seven days a week. Late night refreshment is the sale of hot food or drink between 11pm and 5am¹. The applicant proposed to only operate the drive-thru between these hours.

Wokingham Borough Council's Licensing Authority made a representation against the application. The representation cited concerns about the history of anti-social behaviour in the area, and the risk that the late night opening could change the dynamic of this area.

In Summary, this application is for a proposed late night drive-thru in a location that has a history of anti-social behaviour, particularly involving car meets and misuse of vehicles. Measures introduced by the Council, such as improved barrier systems and the PSPO have been successful in addressing these issues, however, there is a credible risk that the granting of this licence application could reverse progress.

— Mr Keiran C. P. Hinchliffe, Service Manager – Licensing, Wokingham Borough Council

A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is an order made by a local authority that allows the council to place restrictions on the use of a public space to prevent anti-social behaviour. Wokingham Town Council also submitted a representation against the application, noting the proximity of the restaurant to residential properties.