If approved, the restaurant, at 38 Bellegrove Road, would be able to provide hot food and drinks beyond its current closing hours.
However, the proposal does not mean customers can sit inside the restaurant until 2am.
According to a public notice, the eat-in service will close daily at midnight, with late-night refreshments only available via delivery after this point.
The application, submitted by Galmés Limited (trading as McDonald’s Restaurant) on September 7, 2026, is for a premises licence covering ‘late-night refreshment’.
This includes hot food and drink for consumption on and off the premises between 11pm and 2am every day.
The Licensing Act 2003 dictates that providing hot food or hot drinks between 11pm and 5am can be a licensable activity.
As such, establishments like late-night takeaways can require a premises licence.
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The application is currently open for public representations, with the proposed hours yet to be confirmed through the licensing process.
Anyone wishing to make a representation on the application has until October 5, 2026 to do so in writing.
Bexley Council has stated that anyone can comment on a licensing application while it is open for consultation, provided the representation is made in writing and received by the closing date.
If no valid representations are received, the licensing authority must grant an application, although it can be subject to conditions.
If valid representations are received, a hearing must be held, at which the licence can be granted, amended with conditions, or rejected.
At present, the Welling branch operates from 6am until 11pm seven days a week.
The restaurant is situated near Welling railway station and the town centre.
The outcome of this application could see a change in the late-night food options available in Welling.
The decision now lies in the hands of the licensing authority and the residents who choose to make representations.