Police Object to Taco Bell's Late-Night Licence Bid Over Crime Concerns
Sussex Police have opposed a plan by Taco Bell on London Road to serve customers eating in until 2.30am, citing 496 reported crimes in the area over a year.
Application Details
Taco Bell operator Karali QSR Limited wants to extend its London Road branch's service to allow customers to eat in until 2.30am daily, with a 30-minute dispersal period for takeaway customers. The franchise is not seeking a licence to sell alcohol.
Currently, the business operates with a late-night refreshment licence allowing food service to customers on premises until midnight and deliveries only until 3am.
Police Opposition
Sussex Police have objected to the application based on crime figures. The force said 496 incidents were reported within 650 feet of the branch over a year, including violence, anti-social behaviour, public order offences and criminal damage.
An anonymous police sergeant told the council: "If the venue is to stay open late for access to the public, we feel it is appropriate that they ensure they have the safeguarding in place to assist in reducing risks associated with these later hours." The officer added that security measures would help "enable them to deal with low-level issues before they escalate and need to call upon police".
If the licence is approved, police want at least one member of door staff from midnight until close and mobile support from a unit accredited by the Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership at all times.
Council Objection
Brighton and Hove City Council's licensing team has also objected, saying the council's licensing policy prohibits new late-night takeaways in the London Road area after midnight or deliveries beyond 2am.
Nearby Competition
Seven other nearby businesses hold late-night licences, three of which operate after midnight. KFC trades as takeaway and delivery only from 12.30am to 3am. Domino's offers walk-in service until 1am and deliveries until 4am, whilst Brighton Chicken and Pizza is open until 2am on weekdays and 4am at weekends.
Hearing Date
Taco Bell's application stated the proposal would "provide customers with the choice of dining within the premises until 2.30am or purchasing food to take away until 3am", and suggested dining in offers "a safer more controlled environment".
A licensing panel hearing is scheduled for 10am on Monday 2 November and will be webcast.
Source: read the full story