McDonald’s says the change at the Balham restaurant will create new jobs
Wandsworth Council has approved the changes for the branch(Image: Google Maps)
A South West London McDonald’s will stay open 24 hours a day, after changes to its licence were approved. The fast food restaurant in Balham aims to create new jobs, improve conditions for staff and serve shift workers by operating 24/7.
Wandsworth Council approved the plans after a licensing hearing on March 24, in response to branch owner Inspire Restaurants Ltd applying for the changes.
In a new report, the council’s Licensing Committee ruled the application was “acceptable with the only objection providing no evidence in support of the concerns raised”.
The objection to the application raised concerns the changes would lead to more antisocial behaviour, noise and litter in the area.
But barrister Constanze Bell, representing Inspire Restaurants, told the licensing hearing the McDonald’s did not have any existing antisocial behaviour issues, and it had security staff to manage any potential issues. The barrister said shift workers would benefit from the branch staying open 24/7, while the changes would provide an easier shift pattern for staff and create new jobs.
Ms Bell said: “I’m happy to report that it will improve the position of people who work there. It will allow for the creation of more jobs.
“It will in no way create any sort of antisocial disturbance, in fact I imagine for most people they won’t really notice much change at all… and an existing well-run establishment will be able to make the most of sensible trading conditions and continue to contribute to the community.”
The branch previously had permission to stay open until 2am from Sunday to Thursday and 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, but the changes mean it can now operate 24/7.
The committee’s report said: “There had been no known problems with behaviour at the premises and there had been no representations from responsible authorities. It was therefore agreed that the application should be approved.”
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