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Camden News - by CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS
Published: 25 September 2008

Late licence for McDonald’s is rejected by panel

Decision follows residents’ campaign

LICENSING chiefs have stepped in to stop a branch of McDonald’s from serving burger and fries through the night.
Amir Atefi, franchisee at the American company’s branch in Kentish Town Road, Kentish Town, was told to scrap plans for later opening.
He must now stick to a 1am closing time.
Mr Atefi had initially asked councillors for permission to stay open until 5am but even his compromise suggestion of a 3am finish was blocked on Thursday night.
Conservative councillor Kirsty Roberts said: “In terms of crime and disorder I’m not convinced this wouldn’t add to issues.”
The panel’s decision to turn down the burger chain followed a series of pleas from nearby residents arguing that McDonald’s was responsible for most of the litter in the street and would attract the wrong sort of clientele to the area late at night.
“It seems McDonald’s wants to open 24 hours,” said objector Jo Shaw, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate who lives opposite in Kentish Town Road.
“This application is bound to draw people to this location. They will come north from Camden Town or south from the Forum.
“These are venues that are already causing problems, as I know personally.”
Police also objected to the application, pointing out they had been called to Kentish Town Road McDonald’s branch nearly once a week in the past 12 months.
The point was disputed by Mark Westmoreland-Smith, barrister for Mr Atefi, who blamed this on people using McDonald’s as a “landmark” by which to direct police.
He added: “McDonald’s is a world recognised name.
“There is a good side to being associated with a global brand and that is Mr Atefi must abide by standards of McDonald’s, standards more exacting than the average trader.”
Mr Atefi said afterwards: “There’s obviously a concern about the local community and some of the points we’ve seen addressed.
“I’ll get in touch with the residents and listen to their concerns.”

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