McDonald’s applies to Dover District Council for late night licence
Published: 19:07, 02 September 2023
A new Kent McDonald’s set to open in the coming weeks has lodged an application to open throughout the night.
The fast-food giant previously revealed it is set to open the restaurant and drive-thru at Discovery Park, Sandwich, around October 25.
The firm has now applied for a licence via Dover District Council (DDC) to provide hot food and drink between 11pm and 5am every night of the week.
Under the Licensing Act 2003, activities outside those hours do not require a licence, so if approved the bid means the drive-thru site could be open 24 hours a day.
Situated near a Starbucks at the former Pfizer site, it is set to bring more than 100 jobs to the area.
Cllr Dan Friend (Con), who represents Sandwich on DDC, supports McDonald’s coming to town.
“I commend McDonald's for choosing Discovery Park as its new location, bringing with it the promise of 120 jobs,” he said.
“We eagerly await the positive impact this investment will have on our local economy and the employment opportunities this will bring for our area.”
On the late hours, Cllr Friend says that “it’s out of town and in keeping with adjacent operations”.
He continued: “Most of their operations are 24 hours now and with the 24/7 petrol station next door, and a business park that has workers around the clock it makes sense they want to capture as much trade as possible.”
Previously the location was set to host Leon - a Mediterranean inspired healthy food company - but they pulled the plug late last year.
After Leon pulled out, it was thought that Burger King had its eyes on the site before it was confirmed McDonald’s would take over.
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Daniel Esson, Local Democracy Reporter