A Warwick business who has applied to continue with its extended opening hours says it is meeting requests from a range of customers who work anti-social hours, including blue light staff and shift workers.

People Arches Ltd, which runs the branch of McDonald's on Emscote Road, is hoping to extend its opening hours to 24 hours - though only for drive thru and delivery at certain times - in order to cater for a wider range of people who sometimes miss out on hot food and drink around their work hours.

The business was granted a 24-hour licence by Warwick District Council last year, but initially only extended its hours slightly as a trial, to ensure fears of anti-social behaviour and litter were not borne out.

Founder Dawood Ibtehsam said the decision to take up the already-granted license to serve food 24 hours a day would serve the dual purpose of providing meals for those working anti-social hours, as well as ensuring the business remains sustainable in an incredibly difficult economic climate for hospitality.

He said: "We initially applied to extend our hours to meet a demand from people wanting to grab something to eat late at night, but also for the many people who work antisocial hours and rely on us for something to eat at the end of a gruelling shift.

"We listened to concerns from the local community and have trialled extended opening hours conservatively, proving that when managed carefully these don't necessarily automatically lead to anti-social behaviour or litter.

"We've had a hugely positive reaction from people including blue light workers, taxi drivers, and shift workers that they can grab something to eat or a hot drink when most places are closed, and we know there's an appetite for us to extend our hours further.

"In addition to this, it's no secret that times are particularly hard for hospitality right now, and we are looking to do everything to ensure the sustainability of our business, which employs over 70 local people and has also become a key part of the local community thanks to the work we've done including regular litter picks, sponsoring local sports and community groups, and hosting pop-ups from organisations like Coventry, Warwickshire & Worcestershire Mind and Citizens Advice. Extending our opening hours will help ensure we can continue doing work like this."

advertisement

advertisement

People Arches Ltd carries out a range of community work, with its team volunteering over 1,000 hours to local projects, as well as supporting community groups and the local council.

These efforts saw Dawood and his team honoured by the Warwickshire High Sheriff. People Arches was also named as a finalist in The Equality Trailblazer category of the Coventry & Warwickshire Business and Community Awards 2025

Locals have until February 3 to comment on the application.

Follow this link to see the application in full.