7 August - 21 August 1996
Each week McSpotlight will be updated on how the world's press has covered McLibel, McDonald's and multinationals in general.
Camden's licencing committee has ruled, on a technicality, to adjourn a decision on the fast-food chain's application to extend opening hours from 10pm to midnight at their outlet in Belgrove House, Euston Road.
There was considerable opposition when McDonald's applied for planning permission for Belgrove House, two years ago.
McDonald's admitted it had been trading out of hours at Belgrove House. Planning consultant Christopher Potts, representing McDonald's, said the breach of hours was an "oversight" for which the firm apologised. Committee chairman Councillor Ernest James said it seemed that the multinational thought it could "thumb its nose" at local authority law.
The committee meeting heard from one objector that the company was not in the words of the relevant law, "a fit and proper person" to be granted a licence. In evidence, Mr Albert Beale submitted transcripts from the long-running so-called "McLibel trial" in which environmental activists are defending claims that the company contributes to the depletion of tropical rainforests, promotes unhealthy food, and employs underhand methods against critics and its own staff.
Mr Beale said there was uncontested evidence the law had been contravened at Belgrove House - but the council had not prosecuted the company.
June 1996, Healthy Eating, UK
