Westminster's Licensing Sub-Committee is considering a proposal to allow a McDonald's restaurant at 155 Victoria Street to operate 24 hours a day, a move that has drawn objections from local police and residents.
The application from Smash Operations Limited seeks to extend the hours for late-night refreshment to 23:00-05:00 every night, and to extend opening hours to 24/7 for in-store, deliveries and takeaways. The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 24 July 2025 to discuss the proposal.
While the applicant has proposed conditions to mitigate potential issues, including maintaining a daily incident log, training staff in legal requirements, and conducting regular litter patrols, these have not allayed the concerns of authorities and local residents.
The Metropolitan Police Service has objected to the application, stating that it is likely to undermine the prevention of crime and disorder. Environmental Health has raised concerns that the proposal may undermine the licensing objectives of public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protecting children from harm. Environmental Health also noted that The area outside and near the premises already attracts street drinkers and homeless persons and any further extension in the hours of licensing activities is likely to further exacerbate the situation.
Residents have also voiced their opposition, citing concerns about anti-social behaviour, noise, and litter. One resident withdrew their objection after meeting with McDonald's, stating that keeping McDonald's open, including the toilets, would be a positive contribution to the Cathedral Piazza. The resident added, It will be even better when the cladding around McDonalds is removed and there is a lighted building on the Piazza through the night.
The Licensing Sub-Committee, comprised of Councillor Maggie Carman (Deputy Cabinet Member - Adult Social Care, Supported and Specialist Housing), Councillor Md Shamsed Chowdhury (Deputy Cabinet Member - Streets and Lead Member - Edgware Road Champion) and Councillor Karen Scarborough, is tasked with considering the application in light of the City of Westminster statement of Licensing Policy and guidance issued by the Secretary of State.
The council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2021 sets core hours for fast food venues as 10:00 to 23:30 Monday to Thursday, 10:00 to 24:00 Friday and Saturday, and 12:00 to 22:30 on Sundays. The proposed 24-hour operation falls outside these core hours.
Should the license be approved, the Licensing Sub-Committee has the power to impose conditions specifying shorter hours in order to promote the licensing objectives. The Licensing Authority will also use its full range of enforcement powers, including licence reviews and revocations, to address operators who cause disturbances or fail to uphold licensing objectives.
