An American fast-food chain in the heart of Oxford has been granted permission to extend its opening hours into the early hours – despite objections from Thames Valley Police and contrasting decisions for nearby rivals.
Wendy’s on Magdalen Street will now be allowed to open until 2.00am from Thursday to Saturday and until midnight on all other days of the week. The city council approved the application at a special Licensing and Gambling meeting held on Monday, May 12.
The decision comes despite resistance from Thames Valley Police, who warned the venue could become a hotspot for crime and anti-social behaviour, according to Local Democracy Reporter Esme Kenney.
In a formal objection, officers wrote:
“Unlike their alcohol retailing cousins, these venues tend to be woefully underprepared and lacking the infrastructure to manage the challenges.
Magdalen Street and St Giles’ used to be a hotspot for crime and disorder with the presence of one late night bar exacerbated by the street being a late night transport hub for night buses to the northern part of the city and the wider county.”
The police previously objected to plans for the new McDonald’s in Cornmarket Street to open until 3.00am – a proposal that Oxford City Council ultimately refused on the basis of “unacceptable noise impacts” and concerns over nearby residential amenities. That branch now closes at midnight, unlike its predecessor, which operated until 2.00am.
Wendy’s current hours were 8.00am to 11.00pm Sunday to Thursday and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The newly approved hours mark a significant change.
Despite police concerns, the application drew public support. Councillor Anna Railton commented: “I think it’s important to support night time economy which means having options like this open late at night in the city centre.”
A member of the public, Mr D Parkin from Witney, added: “We need more options for late night food now McDonald’s has not had its opening hours extended following its move. Without the late night McDonald’s there is very little reason for me to come into Oxford, which I did weekly until it ended its late night hours.”
In the same licensing meeting, a bid by fellow fast-food operator Popeyes to open until 1.00am on Queen Street was scaled back by councillors.
Read more: Popeyes’ bid for extended late-night opening hours rejected by Oxford City Council
The American fast-food chain, which currently opens from 8.00am to 10.00pm daily, had applied to stay open until 1.00am and offer deliveries until 2.00am. But it will now be permitted to stay open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and until 11.00pm on all other days.
