The Licensing Panel of West Oxfordshire Council met on Tuesday 22 September 2026 to consider an application to vary the premises licence for The Fox Inn in Middle Barton. The panel approved the application, allowing staff to take orders and payments in the garden and courtyard areas.

Variation to Premises Licence for The Fox Inn, Middle Barton

The Licensing Panel considered an application to vary the premises licence for The Fox Inn, located at 27 Enstone Road, Middle Barton, Chipping Norton. The application, submitted by Tony O'Sullivan, sought permission for staff to take food and drink orders directly from customers in the garden and courtyard areas.

The purpose of the variation was to enhance customer service and improve the efficiency of the pub's operations. Currently, customers can sit in the garden and courtyard, but orders and payments must be taken inside the main building. Allowing staff to take orders outside would reduce customer movement to and from the bar, and the applicant argued that increased staff presence in these areas would also improve supervision and security.

The application was met with one objection from a local resident, F.A. Roisette, who lives adjacent to the pub. The objection was based on the licensing objective of the prevention of public nuisance. The resident expressed concern that allowing table service in the garden would encourage customers to remain outside for longer, leading to increased noise and disturbance from conversation, laughter, and general activity. They cited existing disturbances from outdoor events, music, and car gatherings, and stated that the proposed variation would likely exacerbate these issues. The objector requested that the application be refused or, alternatively, that strict conditions be imposed, including no outdoor table service or payments, a cessation of outdoor payments, no amplified music in outdoor areas, active monitoring of customer behaviour, clear signage for customers, and an appropriate evening closing time for the outdoor seating area.

In contrast, four representations were received in support of the application from local residents. These supporters highlighted the potential for the variation to improve customer experience, enhance the pub's efficiency, and contribute to its success as a dining venue and a vital part of village life.

During the meeting, Gemma Raynard, representing the applicant, explained that the garden and courtyard areas were already in use and that the variation was not about creating new spaces or extending hours, but about improving service. She clarified that there would be no organised events or amplified music in the garden, and that any such activities would require a separate events licence. Mr. O'Sullivan, the applicant, also emphasised his commitment to the pub's heritage and its role in the community, stating that he would monitor the situation and address any issues promptly. He also noted that the internal music was low ambient background noise and could not be heard outside.

The panel heard that no objections had been received from any of the responsible authorities, including Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire Fire Service, and Technical Pollution Services.

After considering the application, the representations, and the arguments presented, the Licensing Panel decided to grant the application as requested. The panel felt that the proposed variation was necessary to promote the licensing objectives and that no additional conditions were required. They did, however, reserve the right to review the licence should any issues arise in the future.

Councillor Dave Jackson, Vice-Chair of the Licensing Committee, chaired the meeting. Councillor Sandra Cosier and Councillor Tim Sumner were also members of the panel. Andrea Thomas, a licensing officer, presented the report.