A fast food outlet in Wimbledon has been serving intoxicated customers on Friday and Saturday nights, despite not having permission.

Subway, in Hartfield Road, does not have a license to serve sandwiches after 11pm but was caught red-handed on two occasions by PC Russ Stevens, a licensing officer from the Metropolitan Police.

The officer said in a letter to Merton Council’s licensing department he spotted a sign on the front door showing the store was open until 1.30am every Friday and Saturday night in April.

He discovered employees selling hot food to “a long queue of intoxicated customers.” After a warning by PC Stevens, an application was sent to Merton Council for a premises licence, which was rejected.

PC Stevens said he returned to Subway in May and again saw customers ordering sandwiches, which were cooked in an oven, at 11.30pm.

After another conversation with staff, the manager displayed a handwritten sign informing customers they cannot heat food for customers after 11pm.

The store has continued to remain open past 11pm, although the sign remains, according to the police officer.

The application to Merton Council to grant the store the late night refreshment license was rejected on Tuesday July 18 at a committee meeting in Merton Civic Centre.

A representation was also made by Wimbledon East Hillside Residents’ Association, opposing the license because it will encourage “even more drunken, noisy, rowdy 20 somethings to drink, eat and linger longer in Wimbledon town area.”

If caught again, the store could face a hefty fine under various licensing and anti-social behaviour legislation. The Police can also apply to close the premises at Magistrates' Court.

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.

Subway in Hartfield Road did not respond to requests for comment.