The first meeting of the Licensing & Committee. McDonald’s at the Chilton Industrial Estate near Sudbury wishes to increase its service hours for an extra hour a day ending at midnight. McDonald’s are professionally & capably represented. The application is turned down. It is a zero sum game between McDonald’s and their clientele and the residents of the surrounding area, who are supported by a District Councillor, Parish Councillor and a Police Inspector.

The second case of the day concerns a village hall which wishes to increase its operating hours and its capability to serve alcohol for fifteen hours a day. A member of the village hall management committee (who is also a District Councillor) is present together with four objectors (two spousal couples). Why serve alcohol so early in the morning – well you might be watching a rugby match from the other side of the world, you might be celebrating and wanting to serve Buck’s Fizz or even be holding a barbecue breakfast requiring Bloody Mary’s. The application is rweaked so that everyone feels satisfied and the license is granted – everyone can be happy – which is unusual.