Residents in Bromley are voicing strong opposition to a McDonald’s proposal to extend its opening hours until 5am, warning that the town centre is already “plagued with discarded McDonald’s debris strewn everywhere”.
Proposed changes to operating hours
The fast-food chain has submitted an application to prolong the operating hours of its branch at 1-3 Market Square in Bromley. It currently closes at 3am, but wants to remain open until 5am on Fridays and Saturdays. The application also includes a request to amend a current condition, reducing the requirement for two night-time security staff to just one.
Bromley Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee is set to consider the premises licence application on 9 July. McDonald’s has already reached agreements on several licence conditions with the Metropolitan Police, including the proposed reduction in security personnel.
Public objections and concerns
The plans have drawn four objections from members of the public. Those against the extension fear that the later hours will encourage late-night revellers to gather in Market Square, potentially escalating anti-social behaviour and noise disturbances.
One objector said that Bromley town centre is presently “an uncomfortable environment at night” and expressed concern that the extended opening hours would only “exacerbate this”. They also said that residential streets close by were already “plagued with discarded McDonald’s debris strewn everywhere”.
Appearing confused about the plans for fewer security guards, another objector said: “Having additional security on site will not prevent anti-social behaviour in the surrounding area. I presume McDonald’s are expecting troubled behaviour in their outlet for them to employ additional security. We no longer have a regular police presence in the town centre at night. There will be an increase in litter as customers regularly leave McDonald’s cups and rubbish in the town centre and residential streets.”
Councillors join opposition
All three Bromley Town councillors have objected to McDonald’s request to stay open later. Cllr Julie Ireland said: “We feel that extending the hours to overnight will have a detrimental effect on local residents, in terms of noise, litter and anti-social behaviour. We also think the restaurant would become a magnet for late night crowds, especially when pubs and bars have closed. Apart from the effect on local residents, it would involve an extra strain on the police and of course require additional street cleaning.”
