Key Points
- RJK Chicken Ltd plans to open Chicken World takeaway and JRR Local Store convenience store in a former takeaway unit on Nuxley Road, Belvedere, South London.
- The convenience store inside the chicken shop seeks a licence to sell alcohol alongside groceries, sweets, and soft drinks.
- The unit has been revamped after the previous takeaway failed, to be run by an experienced team as part of the Chicken World chain.
- Metropolitan Police opposed the plans, citing risks of increased crime, disorder, and antisocial behaviour from late-night operations, especially with customers who have been drinking congregating outside.
- Bexley Council’s Licensing Team objected, stating no requirement exists for alcohol retail or delivery with orders, and the risk of serving intoxicated customers outweighs the applicant’s needs.
- Bexley Council’s Environmental Health team also objected to the plans and called for reduced opening hours.
- Licensing and Environmental Health officers urged scrapping booze sales entirely.
Belvedere (South London News) January 23, 2026Â – Owners of a new chicken shop in South London face stiff opposition from the Metropolitan Police and Bexley Council over plans to sell alcohol from a convenience store within the premises. RJK Chicken Ltd seeks approval to operate Chicken World and JRR Local Store on Nuxley Road, but authorities warn of heightened crime and public nuisance risks. The council’s teams have demanded the removal of alcohol sales and shorter hours.
What Are the Plans for the New Chicken Shop and Store?
RJK Chicken Ltd submitted application documents detailing a full revamp of the unit previously occupied by an unsuccessful takeaway. As outlined in the application to Bexley Council, the business would launch as Chicken World, a chain outlet, with a portion dedicated to JRR Local Store selling groceries, sweets, soft drinks, and alcohol. The convenience store forms an integral part of the layout, aiming to serve local residents alongside hot food takeaway services.
The proponents emphasise an experienced management team to ensure smooth operations. No specific opening hours were detailed in the initial public summary, but objections highlight concerns over late-night trading. The venture targets the Belvedere community in the Bexley borough, transforming a dormant site into a dual-purpose food and retail hub.
Why Did the Metropolitan Police Object to the Alcohol Licence?
The Metropolitan Police lodged a formal objection letter against the alcohol sales proposal. According to the Met Police’s objection, as reported by MyLondon, late hours could lead to a
“potential increase in crime and disorder and antisocial behaviour, particularly from those customers who have been drinking and who then may congregate in the street to eat the food late at night, causing a nuisance”.
This statement underscores fears of public disturbances in a residential area.
Officers highlighted the synergy between alcohol consumption and late-night food orders as a catalyst for issues. Belvedere’s proximity to transport links and housing estates amplifies these concerns, with police anticipating spillover effects from inebriated patrons. The objection aligns with broader Met strategies to curb nightlife-related incidents in South London suburbs.
What Objections Did Bexley Council’s Licensing Team Raise?
Bexley Council’s Licensing Team also opposed the application in writing. As reported by MyLondon, the team stated there was “no requirement to retail alcohol, or deliver alcohol, with orders and the risk of serving a drunk outweighs the need of the applicant”. This position rejects any public demand for booze sales at the site.
The council views alcohol as an unnecessary addition, prioritising prevention of over-service to vulnerable individuals. Delivery of alcohol with food orders drew specific scrutiny, given enforcement challenges. Licensing enforces strict policies under the Licensing Act 2003, mandating promotions of public safety.
How Did Environmental Health Officers Respond to the Proposal?
Bexley Council’s Environmental Health team joined the opposition, as covered by MyLondon. Officers objected to the overall plans and recommended reducing proposed opening hours alongside scrapping alcohol sales. Their concerns centre on noise, litter, and odour from extended operations in a mixed residential-commercial zone.
Environmental health focuses on compliance with pollution controls and waste management. Late-night frying and customer gatherings could disturb neighbours, prompting calls for curtailed hours. The team seeks to balance business viability with community wellbeing.
What Is the Background of the Nuxley Road Location?
The unit on Nuxley Road in Belvedere previously housed a failed takeaway, prompting RJK Chicken Ltd’s intervention. MyLondon reports describe a comprehensive refurbishment to suit the Chicken World brand and integrated store. Belvedere, a district in the London Borough of Bexley, features suburban streets with local shops and housing.
Nuxley Road serves as a community artery, near parks and schools. The site’s history of underperformance underscores the applicants’ revamp rationale. No prior licensing issues at this address were noted in available reports.
Who Is RJK Chicken Ltd and What Experience Do They Bring?
RJK Chicken Ltd positions itself as a capable operator with chain expertise. Application documents, per MyLondon, stress an “experienced team” managing daily affairs. The Chicken World branding suggests expansion ambitions, though company details remain limited in public filings.
Directors and trading history would typically appear in Companies House records, but the focus here rests on operational pledges. Applicants argue viability hinges on diverse offerings, including alcohol, to attract evening trade.
What Broader Context Surrounds Alcohol Licensing in South London?
South London sees frequent licensing debates amid rising suburban nightlife. MyLondon’s coverage links to Met Police concerns over crime hotspots, with Belvedere not flagged as severe but vulnerable to escalation. Bexley Council maintains a cautious approach, approving fewer off-licences than urban centres.
National trends show councils prioritising cumulative impact policies in food-heavy areas. Police and health objections carry weight in hearings, often swaying decisions.
When and How Will the Licensing Decision Be Made?
Bexley Council’s licensing sub-committee will review the application, typically within weeks of submission. Hearings allow applicant rebuttals and objector input. Outcomes range from full approval, conditions, or refusal, with appeals possible.
MyLondon indicates no hearing date yet, but urgency stems from revamp investments. Applicants may amend plans, such as dropping alcohol, to gain favour.
Why Is Belvedere a Focal Point for These Concerns?
Belvedere’s demographics—families, workers, youth—heighten sensitivities to late-night venues. Proximity to Thamesmead and Erith amplifies footfall worries. MyLondon tags the story under local crime and food beats, reflecting community stakes.
Residents often engage in consultations, though none quoted here. The site’s revival could boost economy but risks friction without safeguards.
What Happens If the Application Succeeds or Fails?
Approval might impose conditions like CCTV, refusals registers, or hour caps. Failure prompts revisions or relocation. RJK Chicken Ltd could proceed alcohol-free, focusing on food and non-alcoholic retail.
Precedents show councils favouring community needs over expansions. Monitoring post-decision compliance falls to authorities.
How Does This Fit Into Local Food and Drink Trends?
South London’s chicken shop boom intersects with convenience retail. Chains like Chicken World compete via add-ons, but licensing hurdles persist. MyLondon’s food-and-drink tag highlights growth amid scrutiny.
Innovations like integrated stores test boundaries, balancing convenience against regulation.
What Statements Stand Out from All Parties?
Key quotes encapsulate tensions. Met Police:
“potential increase in crime and disorder and antisocial behaviour, particularly from those customers who have been drinking and who then may congregate in the street to eat the food late at night, causing a nuisance”.
Licensing Team: “no requirement to retail alcohol, or deliver alcohol, with orders and the risk of serving a drunk outweighs the need of the applicant”. RJK Chicken Ltd described revamp and team expertise without direct quotes.​
No further media covered this specific story, per available sources; MyLondon provides comprehensive detail.
What Next Steps Should Stakeholders Consider?
Applicants might negotiate concessions. Police and council stand firm absent mitigations. Residents can submit views pre-hearing.
This case exemplifies licensing’s role in suburban harmony.
