Sunderland City Council's licensing sub-committee has approved a late night refreshment licence for KFC at the Salterfen Park retail development in Ryhope, allowing food and drink service until midnight, seven days a week. The decision came despite three public objections citing concerns over potential noise, crime and disorder.
Application scaled back after feedback
The fast food operator initially sought a late night refreshment licence until 5am, but reduced the request following feedback from police and the council's environmental health team. Even with the revised midnight closing time, members of the public maintained their opposition, leading to a public hearing.
Councillors on the licensing sub-committee convened on Monday, October 12, at City Hall to consider the amended application. Representatives for the applicant presented their arguments for the extended hours, and although no members of the public were present, the submitted objections were still examined by councillors.
Planning permission still required
The committee's final ruling approved the late night refreshment licence until midnight. It was highlighted that KFC still requires planning permission to extend its operating hours to midnight to align with the new licence. A spokesperson for the applicant, Marsdens Caterers of Sheffield Limited, confirmed that a planning application would be lodged to bring the restaurant's opening hours into line with the new licence.
According to licensing conditions, the KFC restaurant's late night refreshment operations would be limited to the drive-through lane exclusively after 11pm.
