Greggs has lost a battle with the police over plans to sell sausage rolls 24 hours a day amid fears it would be a “hot spot” for crime and disorder.
Plans to keep the doors of its new Leicester Square store open all night were scrapped on Friday after the Metropolitan Police and Westminster councilors rallied against the popular bakery.
The council said that while the store, which opened earlier this month, would likely bring a benefit to the area, it could also become a “hotspot for late-night disturbances” and anti-social behavior” if allowed to remain open at night.
Aicha Less, the council’s cabinet member for licensing and communities, told MyLondon: “We’re as excited as anyone about Greggs coming to Leicester Square and I’m sure people from all over the West End will be flocking to get – a sausage roll, baked steak or jam doughnut.
“However, the police and local people have raised legitimate concerns that these plans are half-baked.
“There are concerns that businesses providing a 24-hour service in the town center will create challenges and that the bakery could become a hotspot for late-night disturbances and anti-social behaviour.”