A McDonald's restaurant in Balham has been granted a 24-hour licence to serve late-night refreshments, following a decision by the Wandsworth Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The application sought to extend the hours for late-night refreshment by three hours on Sunday to Thursday mornings and two hours on Friday and Saturday mornings, pushing the closing time to 5 am daily.
The decision came despite initial concerns raised by a local resident about potential noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour. However, the applicant's representative, Ken Stanzabelle, assured the committee that existing security arrangements, including two SIA-registered door supervisors, would continue. Furthermore, the applicant highlighted that the premises already operated with minimal downtime and that planning permission for 24-hour operation had already been granted. The restaurant also conducts regular litter picks and aims to be a calm, quiet space for members of the community to go to enjoy competitively priced food and drink.
An initial concern from the Environmental Services Officer regarding noise disturbance was withdrawn after further consultation. The officer acknowledged that grounds to reconsider his representation for this application
existed, taking into account factors such as the location, past operating record, and other relevant merits of the proposal. This led to the withdrawal of their representation.
The extended hours are also anticipated to benefit staff by providing more logical shift patterns.
The applicant explained that the current break in service hours creates inconvenience, forcing staff to make arrangements for transport at antisocial hours.
The new schedule will offer a more streamlined and attractive shift pattern for employees.
During the hearing, Mr. Stanzabelle also noted the diverse customer base that frequents the restaurant in the early hours. Yes, you get the occasional person who's been enjoying a drink and wants something to eat, but you also get shift workers,
he stated. The presence of nearby businesses like Sainsbury's and Aldi, as well as a gym, means the McDonald's serves all sorts of folks and it's a community establishment that serves all number of people in the community,
including those stopping for coffee and a sandwich during shift changes.
The subcommittee resolved to grant the application as requested. The existing licence allowed for late-night refreshment until 2 am on Sunday to Thursday and 3 am on Friday and Saturday. The variation extends these hours to 5 am daily.
Further details regarding the application and the meeting proceedings can be found in the public reports pack for the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on 24th March 2026 Public reports pack 24th-Mar-2026 19.00 Licensing Sub-Committee.
