The Licensing Panel of West Oxfordshire Council met on Tuesday 21 July 2026 to consider an application for a new premises licence for a McDonald's restaurant located on Ducklington Lane in Witney. The panel decided to grant the licence as requested, subject to the conditions outlined in the operating schedule.

Application for a New Premises Licence for McDonald's, Witney

The panel considered an application from INA Restaurants Limited, trading as McDonald's, for a new premises licence to allow the sale of late-night refreshment at their restaurant on Ducklington Lane in Witney. The application sought to extend operating hours to 24 hours a day, with late-night refreshment sales between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM restricted to drive-through customers and delivery couriers only.

The application was brought before the panel due to representations received from local residents, Councillor McCarroll, and Witney Town Council. However, statutory consultees, including Oxfordshire Fire Service, Planning Services, Thames Valley Police, and Technical Pollution Services, raised no objections.

During the hearing, Alistair Smith, Operations Manager for INA Restaurants, explained that the application was for a controlled overnight operation and not unrestricted 24-hour use. He highlighted that the operating schedule included safeguards such as CCTV, management supervision, and courier controls, all designed to minimise public nuisance. Mr. Smith stated that none of the responsible authorities had objected to the application.

Councillor David Jackson, Vice-Chair of the Licensing Committee, and Councillor Tim Sumner, Executive Member for Arts, Culture and Sports, asked several questions regarding the proposed operational controls. They inquired about the specifics of management supervision and courier controls. Mr. Smith explained that managers are trained to handle various customer interactions and that courier controls involve maintaining good relationships with delivery companies to ensure their behaviour is appropriate. He clarified that delivery drivers use a mix of motorbikes, cars, and electric bikes.

Councillor Sumner also questioned the rationale behind a 24-hour application. Mr. Smith responded that there was a strong business case, but it also provided a service for those returning from nights out or working unsociable hours. He projected that weekday nights would be quiet, with potentially zero customers in some hours, while weekends might see 30-40 customers per hour during peak late-night periods. He anticipated that business would grow steadily over time.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Mark Walker, Chair of the Licensing Committee, regarding potential public nuisance and aggravation of existing gatherings. Mr. Smith detailed how McDonald's had addressed similar issues in other locations, such as Leighton Buzzard, Leamington Drive-Thru, Abingdon, and Benson, some of which are near residential areas. He emphasised that making the operation drive-through only, rather than allowing people to congregate inside, helps prevent issues. He also noted that their delivery service currently accounts for approximately 30% of sales and is expected to grow, which could reduce reliance on the drive-through.

Councillor Jackson raised concerns about litter and potential issues with groups congregating in cars. Mr. Smith explained that litter management plans are in place, with regular checks of the surrounding area. He also clarified that customers cannot walk through the drive-through; they must be in a vehicle.

Councillor Sumner enquired about signage and light pollution. Mr. Smith stated that this falls under planning regulations, but the Witney restaurant currently has minimal signage, with only the iconic M on top of the building.

Following the discussion, the panel retired to consider the application. Upon their return, Councillor Walker announced the decision.

The panel decided to grant the licence as per the operating schedule. They noted that the council retains the power to review the licence should any issues arise concerning its operation, as discussed during the hearing. The applicant was informed that they would receive written notification of the decision within 10 days.

The applicants, Alistair Smith and Mark Lougheed, expressed their appreciation for the process, noting it was nowhere near as fearful as we thought it might be.