McDonald's Leicester Square, the chain's largest branch in London, is set to become a 24/7 restaurant after Westminster Council approved an application to extend its opening hours. Currently, the branch closes for just under three hours daily, between 2.45am and 5am, but that will soon change.
Approval granted despite police opposition
The application was made by Capital Arches Group (CAG), which operates 40 McDonald's across London and the UK. The company had been seeking a 24-hour premises license for the Leicester Square branch for some time.
The Metropolitan Police opposed the move, expressing concerns that extended hours could put additional pressure on policing. In a letter to the Westminster Licensing Team, the Met noted that an extension would 'likely contribute to an increase in crime' in an area 'already saturated with late-night licensed venues.'
Reasons for the decision
Despite the police's objections, an independent crime and disorder impact assessment submitted in July found 'no evidence' that McDonald's boosts crime in the area. CAG also highlighted that the Leicester Square McDonald's is the only accredited 'Safe Haven' premises in the immediate area.
Safe Havens were introduced in the early 2010s following the murder of 16-year-old schoolboy Jimmy Mizen. They offer vulnerable individuals a safe space where trained staff can contact emergency services, friends, or relatives on their behalf. Keeping the branch open 24/7 means more people can use the building in a time of need.
Other 24/7 McDonald's in London
While the exact date for the Leicester Square extension has not been revealed, several other McDonald's branches in London already operate 24/7, including those at Walthamstow, Liverpool Street Station, Kensington High Street, City Road, The Strand, King's Cross (York Way), High Holborn, St Paul's, Old Kent Road, Commercial Road, Hammersmith Broadway, Brixton, and Ealing Broadway.
