Police object to Brighton KFC late-night plans

Sussex Police cited crime and disorder in the area as a reason for the objection

Plans for a Brighton KFC restaurant to stay open until 03:00 have been objected to by police.

Brighton and Hove City Council will publicly release its decision by Friday on franchisee Supercharger Central Limited's late-license request.

Sussex Police cited concerns about crime and disorder in the area, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Supercharger Central said the business had no plans to sell alcohol and that late-night opening benefitted students and key-workers.

In a council hearing on Monday, police licensing officer Mark Thorogood said much of the crime in London Road and the neighbouring streets was linked to people intoxicated by drink and drugs.

He said an increase in footfall would have a "negative impact" and require "police intervention in an area of concern".

Mr Thorogood said the force recorded 469 violent crimes and anti-social incidents in the year to the end of July.

'Really loud'

Green councillor Sue Shanks objected to the application, raising concerns about noise and delivery vehicles on London Road.

She said: "The motorbikes, particularly the delivery motorbikes, are really loud."

Christopher Rees-Gay, for Supercharger Central, said the company had 116 branches of KFC and 207 premises in total, including Taco Bell, Costa and Burger King outlets.

Mr Rees-Gay said that only 30% of the trade came from takeaways and that the business had no plans to sell alcohol.

He said more late-night opening hours would benefit students and key workers in the emergency services.

The three-person panel will release its decision by Friday.