Burger King is seeking to extend its hours at its Ryhope Road location in Sunderland to serve customers 24 hours a day through its drive-thru. A licensing hearing will be held to discuss this proposal, which aims to allow the restaurant to provide “late-night refreshment” from 11 PM to 5 AM, seven days a week.
The fast-food chain submitted its application to Sunderland City Council’s licensing department in August. Currently, the sale of hot food and drinks outside these hours does not require a license. If the application is approved, Burger King would be closer to operating around the clock.
As part of the proposed license, hot food and drink sales would be restricted to the drive-thru from 11 PM onward, while the restaurant’s indoor dining area would be closed during those hours. The licensing sub-committee of the city council is set to review the application on Monday, October 21, after receiving several objections.
Mr. Mitchell Fitzsimmons from the city council’s environmental health department has stated that he does not support the granting of the late-night license. He expressed concerns about increased noise from the drive-thru during nighttime hours.
Residents have also raised objections, citing issues such as noise, litter, and reports of vermin in the area. Although one resident later withdrew their objection, others emphasized the “disgraceful” amount of litter nearby.
Conversely, a nearby resident expressed support for the proposal, noting they had “no opposition” as long as litter is managed properly. They highlighted the potential for job creation and increased service for night shift workers.
For Burger King to extend its hours, the restaurant must also apply to amend its existing planning permission, which currently allows operation only from 7 AM to 11 PM.
The Burger King at Salterfen Park opened in October 2022, marking the chain’s return to Sunderland after the closure of its previous city center location for the new railway station. The development plan, which includes a neighboring KFC, was approved by city councillors in January 2020, despite earlier concerns about litter, traffic, noise, and property values.
The licensing sub-committee meeting will take place at 10 AM on Monday, October 21, at Sunderland City Hall.
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