Maidenhead and Windsor McDonald's allowed to open later

Both the fast-food chain’s branches in Maidenhead High Street and Thames Street, Windsor, are currently open until 11pm.

In January, applications were submitted to allow McDonald’s to stay open until 5am, seven days a week.

After conversations with Thames Valley Police, applicant Snak Restaurants Limited said it would reduce the opening hours to 3am instead.

Thames Valley Police also requested that 13 conditions be added to both of the premises’ licence applications, which McDonald’s agreed to.

This included a condition that ‘the immediate vicinity’ outside both restaurants ‘shall be kept clear of litter’.

Despite this, at a licensing and public space protection order (PSPO) sub-committee meeting in April, councillors discussed the bid following concerns from residents over litter, noise and anti-social behaviour.

The panellists’ decision – Cllr Helen Taylor, Cllr Neil Knowles and Cllr Genevieve Gosling – was published on Friday.

Both applications were unanimously granted, as long as the condition around litter picking was strengthened.

McDonald’s carries out three litter picks a day along Maidenhead High Street, the top part of Queen Street, the link through to West Street and the side of the restaurant.

In Windsor, the litter picking route covers Thames Street and Thames Avenue, River Street and towards the tennis courts near the premises.

During their private deliberations, councillors said that although McDonald’s is ‘good’ at managing litter around the fast-food restaurant in Maidenhead, there are waste issues arising from nearby land or alleyways beyond what McDonald’s can control.

They said any litter picking condition should clearly describe the area McDonald’s would be responsible for, to ‘avoid imposing obligations over land owned or managed by the council or third parties’.

The McDonald’s in Maidenhead would be the only venue in the area open until 3am and councillors raised concerns about the ‘potential’ for it to attract ‘night congregation by default’.

They asked if a ‘trial period’ for the new hours could be imposed instead.

But following legal advice, panellists heard that ‘speculative risks’  could not justify refusing the application, considering police conditions would also be in place.

Councillors were also told a licensing application could not be granted on a temporary basis.

When it comes to the extended hours for the McDonald’s in Windsor, panellists said the night-time economy is different to Maidenhead.

“The dynamics of the area might continue to evolve over the coming years,” they said.

During the April meeting, concerns were raised about delivery drivers gathering around the entrance of Windsor & Eton Central Station.

In their private deliberations, panellists recognised that delivery activity was ‘not unique’ to McDonald’s, but rather reflected ‘wider issues’ affecting other restaurants along Thames Street.

Ultimately, councillors unanimously granted both licensing applications, with the previously agreed Thames Valley Policeconditions and ‘clarified wording’ about litter management.

But they highlighted that the applications can be reviewed, should any issues arise.