Sheffield City Council have ruled that a popular KFC branch can open into the early hours at a council meeting on Tuesday.
The application by the chain’s franchisee, dated 25th January, sought approval to extend opening hours until 4am seven days a week. It reached a concessional verdict at the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on 17th March.
It followed concerns from two Green Party councillors from the Broomhill and Sharrow Vale ward, who have heard complaints of increased anti-social behaviour, noise pollution and crime in recent months.
Cllr Brian Holmshaw, who recently established an traders association for independent businesses on the road, said at the meeting that council approval ‘damages the nature of the industry’.
“A 4am opening would significantly add to noise, traffic disturbance and litter. Neighbours will have no choice about what they get to see, hear and smell at night.
“Ecclesall Road is a popular destination for people to out in the evening. Ultimately, it is a residential area.
“A curfew of 11:30pm in the applying rules has been in operation for many years and should be applied here.”
While the Berkeley Centre premises did get permission to remain open until 4am, only app orders and deliveries can be processed in the two hours before closure in an attempt to curb disruption to nearby residents.
Holmshaw also attempted to block the 3am license granted to the 418 off-license store last October, where he described the longstanding curfew as ‘dead’ with more businesses likely to apply for the same extension.
QFM Group, who are one of the largest restaurant franchisees in the UK, said that the police raised no objections to the initial application, but they proposed the delivery-only option to help reduce late-night public gatherings in the area.
Shane McLean, market coach for KFC at QFM Group, said: “The front door would be locked, the driver would arrive and we’ll let them in to collect and deliver the food.”
It is not yet known when the new opening hours will take effect.