Leicester Square outlet to stay open round-the-clock under strict licence
Westminster Council’s licensing committee has granted permission for McDonald’s Leicester Square — the capital’s biggest branch — to operate 24 hours a day, despite objections from the Metropolitan Police, the Licensing Authority and Environmental Health officers.
The branch, run by franchisee Capital Arches Group (CAG) which operates 40 McDonald’s across London and the Home Counties, is currently closed for a little over two hours each night (between 2.45am and 5am). The new licence will remove that restricted period, allowing continuous trading.
Conditions attached to the licence
The committee attached a suite of conditions designed to manage potential public order and safeguarding risks. Key measures include the presence of security staff, limits on delivery operations, litter management and specific safeguarding provisions for children and staff.
- At least one door staff member must be on duty from 8pm onwards.
- From Thursday to Saturday, at least two door staff are required between 10.30pm and 5.30am.
- No deliveries to the premises between 11pm and 8am.
- A half-hourly litter pick of the area immediately outside the venue.
- Child safeguarding measures and general safety provisions for staff.
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Security staffing | 1 door staff from 8pm; 2 door staff Thu–Sat 10.30pm–5.30am |
| Deliveries | No deliveries between 11pm and 8am |
| Litter | Half-hourly litter pick outside the venue |
| Safeguarding | Child and staff safety provisions required |
Opposition from authorities, support from neighbours
The Metropolitan Police’s Westminster Police Licensing Team and other council bodies warned that the area is already heavily populated with late-night venues and that extended hours could increase crime. In written representations, the police said the locality was “already saturated with late-night licensed venues” and expressed concern about additional hours contributing to higher crime levels.
"The area was 'already saturated with late-night licensed venues' and the additional hours could contribute to an increase in crime."
Despite these objections, Westminster Council’s licensing committee concluded there was no evidence directly linking McDonald’s current opening hours to local crime statistics. Agents acting for the applicant highlighted the site’s central West End location, surrounded by theatres, casinos, cinemas and other late-night amenities, and noted excellent transport links.
Local late-night operators were among those who backed the application. Submissions in support came from neighbouring premises including the Hippodrome Casino, the Londoner hotel and the HOLBA group.
What this means for Leicester Square and London nightlife
Leicester Square is one of the busiest parts of London’s West End, with a high turnover of visitors late into the night. Allowing a major fast-food outlet to operate continuously reflects the area’s 24-hour footfall but also raises questions about resource allocation for policing and street cleaning. The licence conditions try to strike a balance: requiring security staff, regular litter clearance and curbs on deliveries aim to reduce nuisance and protect staff, while allowing the business to match demand at all hours.
For residents and workers around Leicester Square, the decision will be watched closely. If the measures are properly enforced, they could help mitigate negative impacts. If not, local groups and police may face renewed calls to revisit licensing arrangements.
Westminster Council and the applicant have set out the terms; it will be monitoring compliance with the licence conditions. The franchisee, Capital Arches Group, now joins a small but growing number of central London venues pushing for round-the-clock services to serve late-shift workers, tourists and night-time visitors.
