KFC's Late-Night Plans Spark Local Dispute

A clash is due between KFC franchisees, council officers and police in Reading after franchisee KZ Catering Ltd applied to sell food until 3am at its Shinfield Road branch.

The Shinfield Road KFC, on one of the main routes into and out of town, has been open for years. Dine-in will close at midnight, with takeaways and deliveries running until 3am.

KZ Catering agreed several conditions on staff training, CCTV, parking controls and delivery parking but disagreed with police and the council over the need for door supervisors and a dispersal policy.

Nick Landells, representing the franchisees, wrote: "A quick service restaurant that is as small as this is, and will operate a delivery-only model after midnight, doesn't require a dispersal policy. It is the nature of the premises that people arrive alone or in a small group, order, receive their food and leave the area. There is little that a dispersal policy can actually add to that."

PC Declan Smyth, a police licensing officer, said a dispersal policy was needed: "Although customers will not be permitted to remain seated after midnight, patrons attending the premises to collect orders, waiting for transport, congregating outside, or arriving by vehicle may still cause disturbance to nearby residents. The proposed takeaway operation will continue to attract customers throughout the extended hours sought. An active dispersal policy is a recognised control measure that assists in ensuring customers leave the area in an orderly manner and minimises the risk of noise disturbance, anti-social behaviour and congregation in the immediate vicinity of the premises."

Neighbour Steve Cashley objected over litter and late-night disturbance, saying: "It will increase the noise and rubbish in the local area and parking in the side streets, eating in their car and throwing the rubbish out of their cars."

Public health practitioner Nina Crispin advised staff should take regular breaks during extended hours and consider safe transport arrangements for those leaving after 3am.

Because of the objections a decision will be made at a meeting of the council's licensing applications sub-committee on Tuesday, October 6.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter