The KFC outlet in Bridgwater, located near junction 23 of the M5, has been granted permission to operate its drive-thru service until 5am daily. This change to its operating licence was approved by Somerset Council’s licensing sub-committee north on January 28, despite concerns about potential antisocial behaviour in the area.
Currently, the restaurant opens from 10am to 10pm for both dining in and takeaway. The new licence allows the store to open from 9:30am and serve late-night refreshments through the drive-thru after midnight, with no indoor access granted to customers past midnight. Customers may still use the car park after picking up their orders.
Earlier attempts to discuss the licence change during a virtual hearing in November 2025 were postponed due to a councillor’s absence. Nonetheless, the council’s environmental health team and Avon and Somerset Constabulary have given their approval for the application. Temporary licences granted in October 2025 for late-night trials reportedly resulted in no complaints.
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Represented by TLT solicitors, Matthew Phipps emphasized that the KFC premises, close to busy roads such as the A39 and the M5, do not generate noise disturbances. He dismissed suggestions linking late-night littering and antisocial behaviour in the car park to KFC patrons, questioning the validity of such claims.
Opposition came primarily from Puriton Parish Council, with parish clerk Sally Diaz voicing concerns about increased noise levels and gatherings of young people playing loud music. She also highlighted potential hygiene issues stemming from the lack of accessible restrooms after midnight.
Liberal Democrat councillor Marcus Kravis echoed these worries, noting that the extended hours might attract night-time congregations of young people, potentially exacerbating noise and other disturbances in the area, which sees a significant volume of passing traffic.
In response, Mr. Phipps outlined the measures KFC will use to manage behaviour on site, including CCTV surveillance, a tannoy system to communicate with customers outside, and staff interventions in cases of excessive noise or inappropriate conduct.
After confidential deliberations, the sub-committee voted to approve the licence extension, imposing conditions agreed upon with local police to mitigate potential issues. As a result, Bridgwater’s KFC is now able to offer its signature fried chicken to late-night customers, balancing business interests with community concerns.