A KFC restaurant located at 100 High Street in Cheltenham has been granted permission to extend its late-night opening hours, despite serious safety concerns raised by Gloucestershire Constabulary. The fast food outlet can now sell hot food and drinks from 11pm until 4am every day, an extension from its previous hours which ended between midnight and 1am.
Cheltenham Borough Council’s licensing committee approved the variation after a meeting on September 21, where Gloucestershire police expressed worries about the potential impact on public order and safety. PC Lee Walter informed the council that the location sits in a “highly sensitive bottleneck” within Cheltenham’s pedestrianised night-time economy, an area identified as a “volatile flashpoint” where drunken groups sometimes clash.
In response to police concerns, the applicant agreed to several conditions, including closing and securing the first-floor seating area from 7pm, providing door supervision during Cheltenham Racecourse meetings, and having security present from 7pm until closing on Fridays and Saturdays. PC Walter acknowledged these concessions as a recognition of the location’s volatility.
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However, the police maintained their objection to the proposed 4am closing time and the increase in late-night deliveries, citing safety risks related to delivery vehicles and the use of electric bikes and mopeds. Delivery drivers were noted to occasionally mount pavements and park near busy junctions, creating hazards for both pedestrians and drivers. PC Walter referenced a tragic incident involving the death of a 19-year-old woman struck by a vehicle after leaving a late-night venue, underlining the dangers of the area.
The police urged for a restriction of late-night refreshment hours and a complete ban on deliveries after 11pm. They would consider a compromise permitting closure at 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Representing the applicant, a spokesperson from NNA Limited, a KFC franchisee owned by Gerard Nicholas, emphasised the company’s long-standing presence in the town, with over 50 years of operation. They highlighted their commitment to being a responsible neighbour and providing a safe environment during vulnerable hours, especially for women and girls. The premises are equipped with 56 CCTV cameras, four of which are external, and staff numbers would not fall below seven during operating hours.
The representative also noted that the business has managed similar operating hours at previous locations within the same night-time economy zone without police concerns.
After considering the evidence and agreed conditions, the licensing sub-committee granted the licence variation, permitting the extended opening hours subject to the conditions agreed with the police.