Investigation Launched into Late Opening on North End Road
Council has received complaints about Morley’s and Popeyes
Left: Popeyes on North End Road. Right: Morley's on the corner of Haldane Road
February 18, 2026
A number of premises on a prominent West London road are being investigated over allegations they are staying open beyond their licensable hours.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands that popular chicken shops Morley’s and Popeyes are among those being looked into along North End Road in Fulham.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council, the local authority in charge of licensing across the borough, confirmed it is investigating the allegations after the issue was raised at an unrelated court hearing earlier this month.
A spokesperson for the council said carrying out licensable activities without the required licence is a criminal offence, and if convicted could lead to an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison.
Morley’s and Popeyes were approached for comment.
North End Road is a busy thoroughfare running from West Kensington in the north down towards Fulham Broadway at its southern end.
It is home to a range of premises, from pubs to cafés and takeaways, with a fairly large resident population also living in the vicinity.
The area’s late-night economy was recently thrown into the public eye when McDonald’s, which has a restaurant on North End Road, appealed a council decision denying it later opening hours.
Councillors refused the application at a marathon 5.5-hour Licensing Sub-Committee meeting last May, with the appeal heard over several days earlier this month.
The judgement, handed down at the City of London Magistrates’ Court on February 13, found the council’s original decision was “proportionate and necessary” and dismissed the appeal.
At one of the hearings, it was mentioned the council is in the process of investigating several local premises over allegations they are staying open later than their licences allow.
Morley’s and Popeyes were both namechecked though others may also be involved.
When asked by the LDRS to confirm whether any investigations are taking place, a council spokesperson said “a number of allegations” had been made which the local authority is looking into.
Sarah Chambers, a resident and Chair of the Walham Green Ward Panel, said she was ‘shocked’ to hear the allegations that some premises on North End Road are operating beyond their licensable hours.
“These hours aren’t guidance, they are legal obligations,” she told the LDRS. “We support the council’s investigation into this issue and encourage residents to notify the council licensing team on any breaches they witness.”
A Hammersmith and Fulham Council spokesperson said: “We have been made aware of allegations that a number of premises in Fulham’s North End Road are alleged to be offering licensable activities later in the evening without the required licence. We are currently investigating these allegations.
“Carrying out licensable activities without the necessary authorisation is a criminal offence. If convicted, there is an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison.”
Ben Lynch - Local Democracy Reporter