McDonald's Leicester Square, the chain's biggest branch in London, is set to become a 24/7 restaurant after Westminster Council approved an application to extend its opening hours. Currently closed between 2.45am and 5am daily, the venue will soon serve customers around the clock, though an exact start date has not been announced.
Police opposition and council decision
Capital Arches Group (CAG), which operates 40 McDonald's across London and the UK, had been seeking a 24-hour premises license for some time. The Metropolitan Police opposed the move, warning in a letter to the Westminster Licensing Team that extended hours would 'likely contribute to an increase in crime' in an area 'already saturated with late-night licensed venues'. Leicester Square is also home to The Hippodrome Casino, open 24/7, and clubs like Zoo Bar & Club and Rumba, which typically close at 3am.
Despite this, Westminster Council sided with CAG. An independent crime and disorder impact assessment submitted in July found 'no evidence' that McDonald's boosts crime in the area.
Safe Haven status
CAG also highlighted that the Leicester Square McDonald's is the only accredited 'Safe Haven' premises in the immediate area. Safe Havens, introduced in the early 2010s following the murder of 16-year-old schoolboy Jimmy Mizen, 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 would allow more people to use the building in times of need, according to CAG.
Until the extended hours take effect, other McDonald's in London already open 24/7 include branches at 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, Ealing Broadway, and Walthamstow.
