A Wimbledon fast food restaurant that came under fire last year for selling sandwiches to drunk people late at night now wants to do it legally.
In April of last year, a licensing officer from the Met Police twice caught Subway in Hartfield Road red-handed serving sandwiches after 11pm, something the store did not have permission to do at the time.
Now an application has been submitted to give the store a late night refreshment license. If approved, this would allow the sale of hot food between 11pm and 2am on Friday and Saturday nights.
The store manager said steps had to be taken to ensure they could survive.
"All businesses are struggling at the moment," he said.
"The costs to run a business are rising and customer numbers are decreasing.
"We have to find a way to bring people to the store, so now the decision is up to the council."
In July last year, the store applied for the same license, but it was rejected by Merton Council.
Wimbledon town centre has been a Cumulative Impact Zone since 2005. This means the council can refuse license applications because it can increase alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and disorder in the area.
It is believed anti-social behaviour is reduced when people return home at the end of their evening, rather than remaining in the area.
Nearby Burger King has a license to provide Late Night Refreshment to 2am, but employs uniformed security guards from 9pm.
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