Burger King has officially become the first fast food chain to sell alcohol in the UK – and they’re starting in Suffolk.
The company’s branch in Bury St Edmund’s has been granted a drinks licence, after Burger King applied for licences at several branches around the UK earlier this month.
The licence allows Burger King to sell alcohol to customers over the age of 18 after 9pm. Drinks are limited to one per customer and not allowed outside the premises.
Local newspaper Bury Free Press reported opposition by local police to the plans, with licensing inspector Matt Dee bringing up concerns there would be in an increase in crime to the Suffolk council.
“Other night-time economies [in the town] have door staff, CCTV, substantial staff training and policies for identifying underage customers,” he said in his representation to St Edmundsbury Borough Council.
Mr Dee also pointed out children between ages 10 and 16 frequent the branch without their parents, and challenged the lack of policies to deal with training staff or how to refuse already drunk customers.
There have been mixed reactions on Twitter, with some people rejoicing at the news and others wondering if Burger King is in the midst of an identity crisis:
The Independent has reached out to the Suffolk Constabulary for comment.
