McDonald’s is set to extend its opening hours at its Walton Road branch after Liverpool Council’s licensing and gambling sub-committee approved a request from franchisee Blundells of Liverpool. The restaurant, near Goodison Park, will offer drive-thru services from 11pm to 5am, while the main dining area will close at 11pm.
Conditions and restrictions
Mark Blundell, owner of the franchise, confirmed that walk-up customers will not be allowed after hours, a policy consistent with other McDonald’s outlets nationwide. The business voluntarily closed during two marches along County Road earlier this summer, despite not being required to do so.
Paul McCoy, business analyst for Blundells, addressed concerns about late-night opening, highlighting a “strong anti-social behaviour management framework” and enhanced manager training. He noted that CCTV has been expanded and conditions introduced in cooperation with Merseyside Police.
Incidents and community impact
Of over 300 incidents recorded around the wider County Road area, only 13 were linked to the McDonald’s restaurant, some merely based on location. McCoy said police praised the business’s “proactive” approach. The franchise aims to provide a “responsible overnight experience” and minimise impact on neighbours.
The 24-hour offering had already proven successful in the “fairly tough area” of Kensington, where measures such as turning off guest Wi-Fi and playing classical music after 6pm help maintain a calm atmosphere. Blundells, founded by former McDonald’s HR head Mark Blundell, now operates nearly two dozen locations across Merseyside, with its first store opening on Rice Lane in 2012.
