KFC’s request to extend takeaway service hours until 5am at its Dunball location near junction 23 of the M5 in Bridgwater has been delayed. The proposed license variation, which would allow drive-thru sales through the early morning, was due for consideration by Somerset Council’s licensing sub-committee north on November 25.
However, the virtual hearing was abruptly postponed after Councillor Marcus Kravis, who was set to chair the meeting, failed to attend. With only two of the required three councillors present, the sub-committee secretary, Lee Willment, announced the meeting could not proceed and would be rescheduled in the new year.
Currently, the KFC outlet operates from 10am to 10pm daily, offering both dine-in and takeaway services. The company seeks to open earlier at 9:30am and extend late-night takeaway operations via the drive-thru until 5am, though food and drinks would be served exclusively through the drive-thru lane after midnight.
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The proposal has drawn objections from Puriton Parish Council citing concerns about increased noise and antisocial behavior in the area. Parish clerk Sally Diaz pointed out the existing noise issues and highlighted the lack of overnight facilities for drivers at the site.
Due to a packed council schedule in December, the hearing cannot be rescheduled until January. KFC’s legal representative expressed a preference for an early January date.
The council will update the public with the new hearing date on its official website in the coming weeks.