A major fast-food outlet in Sutton could soon be serving customers and deliveries until 5am, as councillors prepare to rule on a controversial application to extend its operating hours.
Late-Night Licence Bid for Town Centre Branch
McDonald’s is seeking permission to keep its branch at 168–172 Sutton High Street open until 5am, seven days a week. The restaurant, situated near an entrance to the St Nicholas Centre on a pedestrianised section, currently trades from 6am until 11pm nightly.
If approved by Sutton Council’s licensing committee, the change would allow both in-store sales and late-night deliveries, positioning it as one of the area's latest-opening venues. The committee is scheduled to make its final decision at a meeting on Wednesday, January 7.
Council Officers Raise Significant Concerns
The application, submitted in early December 2025 by the branch operator Flywheel Operations Limited, has already drawn formal objections from council specialists. Two key concerns centre on potential noise disturbance and risks to child welfare.
An objector from Kingston and Sutton Shared Environment Service stated the high street is notably quieter overnight. They warned that the plans fail to adequately address noise from vehicles, delivery operations at the rear near Lodge Place, doors, and people congregating outside in the early hours. The service also noted it already receives regular complaints about noise from the premises' equipment and staff.
In a separate objection, a member of Sutton’s Quality, Learning and Partnerships Service highlighted child safeguarding. The objector pointed out that the application lacks detail on how staff would identify and support unaccompanied or vulnerable children during the extended hours.
"Children tend to congregate in McDonald’s because of the free Wi-Fi, and it is likely some children who are missing or absent could be found there overnight," the objection stated. Support would be more likely if the operator committed to working with Children’s Services and the Safeguarding Partnership.
Proposed Measures and Licence Conditions
In response to initial concerns, Flywheel Operations Limited has outlined measures to manage crime, noise, and anti-social behaviour. These include:
- CCTV with clear signage, fault alarms, and police access to recordings.
- A Staff Safe remote monitoring system.
- Conflict resolution training for employees.
- A strict policy prohibiting open alcohol containers on the premises.
The council's licensing team has proposed a series of conditions for the licence, should it be granted. These stipulations include retaining CCTV footage for at least 31 days, ensuring self-closing doors, conducting regular litter patrols outside, providing safety training for managers, and maintaining the Staff Safe system with audio and visual monitoring.
The outcome now rests with the licensing committee, which will consider all representations before reaching a verdict next week.
