Morleys chicken branch wants to sell booze despite fears of ‘underage drinking’

By Adrian Zorzut, Local Democracy Reporter

Residents have blasted plans by a popular fried chicken chain to sell booze on its street fearing it could lead to youngsters getting drunk.

Morley’s chicken shop in North End Road, Fulham, wants to sell alcohol in store and with food deliveries until midnight, seven days a week, council documents have revealed.

The well-known takeaway, with multiple branches mostly across South London, applied for an alcohol licence through Hammersmith and Fulham council, which has since received 44 objections from residents and a representation from the council’s deputy leader, councillor Ben Coleman.

They claim it will lead to underage drinking and worsen crime on the already troubled high street. In response, Morley’s has promised not to sell hard alcohol and will place restrictions on the sale of drinks during match days at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium.

It has also vowed to make sure drinks aren’t sold without a meal and it will keep a log of deliveries where the driver refused to hand over booze.

But the promises falls short for some residents who claim the shop’s location in a family-friendly area makes it a hotspot for young kids.

One complainant wrote: “The premises is in very close walking proximity to around 10 schools including Fulham Boys School, Fulham Primary School, The London Oratory School, Fulham Prep, St Thomas’s etc.

“Chicken shops are known to attract young teenage male customers. Selling alcohol on and off premises raises the risk of underage drinking if an alcohol licence is granted.”

Others have criticised what they claimed is Morley’s “cavalier” approach to planning rules and are concerned about an uptick in litter.

Meanwhile, businesses on the high street say the local McDonald’s has become a hotbed of antisocial behaviour.

Javad Tabeh, 50, who works at nearby Al Baydar grocers, said: “I have seen delivery drivers fight with each other, swearing and yelling.”

Residents are worried takeaway shops are attracting the wrong crowd and are worried their plans to stay open will turn the area into a “Soho lite”.

Morley’s was approached for comment but did not provide one by the time of publishing.

McDonald’s said it was one of a number of businesses experiencing ASB issues in the surrounding area which it claims it being committed by one or two groups of teenagers.

The chain said its Fulham branch has been proactively working with the police and the Fulham Business Improvement District to try to resolve these issues.

The fate of Morley’s alcohol licence will be decided during a licensing meeting at Hammersmith and Fulham Council on Wednesday evening.

(Picture: Shardar Tarikul Islam/Unsplash)