In order to stay open later, Greggs and a London local council have come to an agreement. However, anyone hoping for a warm pastry after midnight may be dissatisfied.
After police voiced fears that a 24-hour operation at the bakery firm’s flagship location in Leicester Square may increase crime and disruption in the neighbourhood, the bakery chain clashed with Westminster Council.
It appears that a compromise has been made because the business, which opened in July of last year, can now continue to serve customers until 2am.
However, the local authority has said only hot drinks will be served past 11pm, and no hot food.
The store will also need to install CCTV, hire door supervisors and clean litter that’s dropped outside.
The issues between the council and the pie-and-pastry giant originated last summer, when Greggs asked for permission to sell its wares at the outlet between 11pm and 5am.
That was refused, but the company later returned with a request to open all hours of the day, with an aim to take on competitors like McDonalds for the hard-earned cash of night shift or emergency service workers.
Aicha Less, the council’s cabinet member for licensing and communities at the time, said: ‘Legitimate concerns have been raised by the police and local people that these plans are half-baked.
‘There are worries that businesses serving 24/7 in the city centre creates challenges and that the bakery could become a hot spot for late night disturbances and anti-social behaviour.’
An appeal hearing beginning today was planned at Westminster Magistrates Court, but has now been cancelled following the agreement.
The flagship store’s licence had only allowed it to sell unheated food after 11pm, and the company chose not to open after that time so customers did not get confused about why they couldn’t pick up their desired treat.
Ms Less, who is now deputy leader of Westminster Council, said: ‘Based on the merits of this case, Westminster have come to an agreement with Greggs that works for everyone.
‘Greggs will now only be able to sell hot drinks (but not hot food) on Sunday to Wednesday from 23:00 hours to 00:00 and, Thursday to Saturday 23:00 hours to 02:00 hours.
‘The licence is also subject to significant conditions which includes the installation of CCTV at the premises, the use of door supervisors and the clearing of litter outside the premises.’