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Whether you’ve just finished a night shift or are heading home from the club, a McDonald’s in the early hours of the morning always hits the spot. Right now, there are dozens of Maccies across London where you can pick up a Big Mac at literally any time of the day or night, every day of the week. Now, the largest McDonald’s in the city is following suit.
At the moment, McDonald’s Leicester Square is closed for just under three hours a day between 2.45am and 5am. But soon, it’ll be open non-stop. Capital Arches Group (CAG), which operates 40 Maccies across London and the Home Counties, has just been granted a 24-hour premises license for the Leicester Square branch.
That’s despite opposition from the Metropolitan Police, the Licensing Authority and Environmental Health officers. Westminster Police Licensing Team wrote to the Westminster Licensing Team that the extended hours would ‘likely contribute to an increase in crime’ in an area that is ‘already saturated with late-night licensed venues’.
But when assessing the impact that the license could have, Westminster Council concluded that there was ‘no evidence’ that McDonald’s boosts crime in the area. CAG also received support from surrounding venues like the Hippodrome Casino, the Londoner hotel and HOLBA.
In a statement submitted prior to the decision, CAG stated that ‘there is an increased demand in the West End for late night refreshment throughout the night and early morning hours over seven days a week’. It added: ‘Those who live, work or visit London increasingly expect the West End, as the principal entertainment and activity zone in one of the world’s greatest cities, to operate 24/7, in common with many of its global rivals.’
McDonald’s Leicester Square also happens to be the only accredited ‘Safe Haven’ premises on the plaza, a designated venue that offers temporary refuge, basic assistance and a secure space for vulnerable people. So, CAG argues that the 24-hour license could in fact benefit more people.
It’s not clear exactly when McDonald’s Leicester Square will start operating 24/7.
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