OXFORD'S Bar Risa will become an Australian-themed sports pub - but with no increase in the current capacity.

Oxford City Council this week gave Regent Inns permission to change the Hythe Bridge Street bar into a Walkabout.

But the firm's application to increase the capacity from 250 people to 400 was turned down after the licensing committtee heard appeals from police and people living close to the venue.

Barrister Stephen Morely, representing Oxford police, said they were "very concerned" about the application and its impact on crime and disorder.

He said: "The issue here was relatively simple - an increase in capacity from 250 to 400 people.

"If you boil it down that is the real concern and leads, potentially, to more trouble, more queues, more conflict and more people waiting for taxis.

City councillor Paul Sargent, who campaigned against the application, added: "It's fantastic news."

Regent Inns has 21 days in which to appeal to magistrates against Tuesday's decisions.