Proposal for 24-hour McDonald’s rejected

LICENSING chiefs have rejected plans for a 24-hour McDonald’s in Hereford.

McDonald’s franchisee Sarah McLean had asked Herefordshire Council for permission for the Belmont Road drive-thru to open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

But West Mercia Police objected to the proposal due to the levels of antisocial behaviour in that particular area.

However, police officers said they would be happy to support the opening until 2am as they had seen a significant reduction in crime since new management took over at the restaurant 12 months ago.

“For a number of years there has been a level of antisocial behaviour at or near the premises that has impacted on the quality of life of those who live nearby and those who use or work at the premises,” PC Chris Lea told yesterday’s licensing sub-committee meeting.

“The spectrum of issues concerns a wide range of bad behaviour including assault, stone throwing, swearing and being abusive, refusing to leave the premises, being aggressive and causing minor damage to property.

“Additional issues include noise from cars and customers and also related antisocial behaviour commonly known as boy racers such as car racing and revving up car engines. There have been a number of occasions of adult drunkenness reported at the premises and drug driving issues by those using the restaurant and the drive thru facility.”

Licensing chairman Alan Seldon said: “We note there has been an offer to reduce the opening hours to 2am however the committee does not feel this will make much difference.”