Greggs wants to open its first 24-hour branch in the UK.
The large bakery chain has more than 2,000 locations across the country, though none of these currently open later than 10pm.
It wants to change this, having applied for a 24-hour licence for its branch in Canterbury, Kent, which is next to a McDonald's, already open all around the clock. Both are in the shadow of Canterbury Cathedral - part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site which attracts tourists from across the globe.
But a Labour Councillor in the city says if the application is granted, other outlets may want to follow suit in a "slippery slope" effect.
Councillor Pip Hazelton said today: "As it stands, we are not happy with or interested in the idea of it being a 24-hour service."
Problems with drunken and disorderly behaviour in the city centre late at night have been well documented.
Concerns have also been raised about the noise caused by delivery drivers revving to and from food outlets in the early hours.
Coun Hazelton added: "We absolutely want to encourage business in the city - we want to see people thrive and make a go of it in the area.
"But barring McDonald's, we're not aware of any other operatives being given a 24-hour licence. It's a slippery slope.
"People do live in the city centre and saying yes sets a dangerous precedent - when do we say no?
"St George's Street has always somewhat suffered from anti-social behaviour.
"A lot of residents aren't happy about existing businesses operating the way they do and ultimately the question is will the city benefit from this."
The Greggs unit in question is particularly busy and its application submitted to Canterbury City Council, a Tory authority, shows it wants to provide a takeaway service overnight. Guest won't be allowed to dine in, as they can in the daytime.
As it stands, Greggs' drive-thru in Sittingbourne, Kent, has the latest closing time in the county - 10pm.
The bakery firm also previously tried to bring in a 24-hour service at its Leicester Square store last year - but council bosses snubbed the bid.
While it is making ambitious plans, the second largest bakery chain in the UK - Cooplands - has announced it must cut nine stores across the country to "help better position the business for the long-term and sustainable growth."
Greggs was approached, but a spokesman said the company does not comment on live applications.
