Leicester Square McDonald's seeks 5am licence extension
A McDonald's restaurant in Leicester Square is seeking to extend its late-night refreshment licence until 5am, seven days a week. The application, submitted by Capital Arches Group Limited, aims to allow for 24-hour trading at the 48 Leicester Square branch.
The proposal has drawn objections from Westminster City Council's Licensing Authority, the Metropolitan Police, and Environmental Health Service, all citing concerns over potential increases in crime, disorder, and public nuisance within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone.
Currently, the restaurant's licence permits late-night refreshment until 3am. The application seeks to extend this by two hours, a move that responsible authorities argue would exacerbate existing issues in an area already saturated with licensed venues. The Metropolitan Police and Environmental Health Service are particularly concerned about increased crime and disorder, public nuisance, public safety, strain on police resources, risks to intoxicated individuals, and increased congregation and anti-social behaviour.
However, the applicant has presented a robust case, highlighting their long-standing operation without licence reviews and significant investment in community safety initiatives. They point to their accreditation as a Safe Haven, their participation in the 'My Local Bobby' private security patrols, and their support for the Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA) as evidence of their commitment to the area.
To be accredited as a 'Safe Haven' under the Westminster City Council scheme, a premises must hold the Night Safety Accreditation, have at least two staff members present during operating hours who have completed specific training, and be aware of the scheme's procedures. They must also have a clear written procedure for escalating requests for assistance, provide contact information for key services, and have staff visibly identifiable. A designated usable space covered by CCTV, a first aid kit with a qualified first aider, mobile phone charging facilities, and public liability insurance are also required. Services provided include a safe space, drinking water, toilet facilities, a welfare officer, and assistance with travel options and liaison with emergency services.
The 'My Local Bobby' scheme is a data-driven, SIA-approved private security service that operates in partnership with businesses, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Westminster City Council, and the Metropolitan Police. It offers highly visible patrols, street marshals, crime reduction initiatives, and intelligence sharing. The scheme has been credited with a 4% fall in reported crime in the HOLBA area between 2019 and 2023, while crime in the broader West End increased by 17%. McDonald's Leicester Square contributes to this scheme through the HOLBA BID levy.
The West End Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) is an area with a high concentration of licensed premises and significant late-night activity, leading to elevated crime and anti-social behaviour. Westminster's Statement of Licensing Policy establishes a presumption to refuse applications for certain venues within the CIZ, including fast food premises, unless specific criteria are met, such as reduced capacity or exceptional circumstances. The draft 2026 CIA indicates that the area covered by the SCZ has increased and remains a high-impact area.
The current capacity of the Leicester Square McDonald's is 220 customers. The proposed reduction in capacity after midnight would limit this to 150 customers, a 32% decrease, with only the ground floor being used and a maximum of 25 seated covers.
Beyond the already mentioned measures, the applicant has proposed further enhanced conditions. These include a complete cessation of food and drink deliveries from the premises at any time to mitigate issues with mopeds and bikes. There will be an enhanced SIA provision with a minimum of two door supervisors on duty from 10:30 pm to 5:30 am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Litter patrols will be increased to every 30 minutes. A new dispersal policy, a child safeguarding policy, and conflict management training for shift managers and dining area staff will be implemented. Managers and Customer Experience Leaders will also undergo WAVE training. The Safe Haven provision will be extended to 24 hours if the licence is granted.
The Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA) is a Business Improvement District representing over 500 businesses in the West End. HOLBA promotes a safe and vibrant night-time economy by working with local authorities and the police, and by funding initiatives such as the 'My Local Bobby' scheme, a radio network for intelligence sharing, and a comprehensive cleaning programme for the public realm.
Extending operating hours to 5am is anticipated to create approximately 30 additional hours for existing staff at the Leicester Square branch.
The Licensing Sub-Committee heard extensive arguments from all parties, weighing the applicant's mitigation measures and community contributions against the concerns raised by responsible authorities regarding cumulative impact and policy. A decision on the application was not announced at the meeting and will be made in five days.
Public reports pack 23rd-Jul-2026 10.00 Licensing Sub-Committee 4.pdf Agenda frontsheet 23rd-Jul-2026 10.00 Licensing Sub-Committee 4.pdf
