The Fox West Hoathly Needs Your Support

Like so many amazing establishments within the hospitality industry, The Fox is facing potential closure, although this case is slightly different than most.

We are having to close our doors for at least 3 weeks from 27th September as we do not have a designated premises supervisor, due to the current licence premise holder resigning as DPS, and leaving us in this devastating position.

The objections to our new licence application pertains to the prevention of public nuisance, stemming from The Fox hosting local bands during day time hours, as we were coming out of lockdown, these events were well attended and we thought a bit of positivity was what everybody needed after the horrendous 18 Months we have all been through. Although we are sure no-one would have intended a noise complaint to mean the closure of the pub, due to our new licence application, this is what it has come down to.

BUT WE NOW NEED YOUR HELP!

In order to stand the best chance of our new licence being approved, we need a solicitor to attend our hearing and prepare us for that. As we have been running our business on weekend temporary event notices for the last two Months, we are not in a position to afford legal representation ourselves.

We wish we weren't in the position where we are asking the public for help, but this is our last option unfortunately.

As it stands we will be closed until our hearing on the 15th October, if the hearing goes in our favour we will be back open with immediate affect. If however the licensing board do not overturn the objections put forward we will need to appeal their decision. We will then have to remain closed until a final decision has been reached, at least another Month.

Tim Earley and Claire Kacy have worked extremely hard for some seven and a half years to provide us with a great British pub.

The Fox, previously known as The Vinols Cross has been operating as a pub in West Hoathly since the 1900s. Without your support, we could risk the possibility of losing this community treasure forever.

Our GoFundMe campaign is just one way we are working to raise essential funds to keep the ship sailing.

We aim to raise £10,000, this figure is to cover the cost of overheads, such as rent, bills, bounce back loan (to remain open through COVID 19) and solicitor costs.

To be able to reach the stated figure would mean so much to The Fox family and local village community.

We are aware that so many great independent businesses are also struggling, so our aim is to donate anything over the target to another hospitality establishment that needs support.

Please, Please support us and become a local "Angel" that saved The Fox in West Hoathly.