Wendy’s, the American fast-food burger chain, has received approval to extend its weekend opening hours in Reading. The popular outlet, which relaunched on Station Road in June 2021, will now be allowed to stay open until 4 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday.
Currently, Wendy’s operates until 11 p.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The company had applied to extend weekday hours until midnight and weekend hours until 4 a.m. The decision was made during a licensing applications sub-committee meeting at Reading Borough Council.
Luke Atkins, Wendy’s district manager, emphasized the company’s commitment to meeting all licensing objectives: preventing crime and disorder, maintaining public safety, avoiding nuisance, and protecting children from harm. He stated, “Our top priority is the welfare of our customers, staff, and the wider community. We are eager to work with the authorities to support these objectives.”
Atkins added that Wendy’s staff conduct hourly litter patrols outside the restaurant to keep the area clean. “We encourage customers to be considerate to neighbours. Our windows are always closed, and only background music is played,” he said.
Despite this, David Acreman from the council’s environmental protection team opposed the application. He raised concerns that the extended hours would increase noise, deliveries, and disturbances from the restaurant’s extraction fan.
Atkins responded by explaining the extraction fan, installed in 2021, is built into the structure and operates at a maximum noise level of 60 decibels.
Councillor Karen Rowland acknowledged Wendy’s role in the night-time economy and noted there have been no noise complaints so far. Atkins confirmed that while people live above the restaurant, no complaints have been received. He also said, “We understand we’re often the last stop before people head home, and they tend to gather here.”
Councillor Deborah Edwards questioned whether there is demand for Wendy’s food during these late hours. Atkins answered, “There is demand. People come to the town centre to enjoy themselves in the evening, and we also receive deliveries.”
He further explained that CCTV cameras inside and outside the restaurant capture head-and-shoulder images of visitors.
This footage is stored for 31 days and is available to authorities upon request. “Our team also completes a late-night security model before starting work with us,” Atkins added.
In written comments, Acreman argued that later opening hours could disturb neighbours and occupants of planned housing developments nearby. However, Councillor Rowland pointed out that Wendy’s was established before these developments, so developers are responsible for ensuring noise mitigation measures in new flats.
Councillor Paul Woodward commented, “This is a town centre. People should be allowed to have fun, or else you’re living in the Cotswolds!” He did note, however, that neighbours deserve a good night’s rest.
The committee ultimately approved the extended hours at the meeting on Thursday, May 15. The approval is subject to conditions, including obtaining planning permission for the new hours and linking Wendy’s to the TownSafe Radio system.
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