Alcohol Sale Bid at Reading Store Blocked

A bid to restart alcohol sales at M&M Food & Wine on Wokingham Road in East Reading has been refused.

The licence was surrendered after a failed asylum seeker from Nepal was found working at the shop during an inspection on Sunday, June 17. He told inspectors he worked 9am-4pm Monday to Friday and some Saturdays, and later said he was being paid £10-£15 per day. Records show he had been working there since April.

Former manager Manmeet Singh gave up permission to sell alcohol. Another businessman, Kulwant Singh Gaba, applied to sell alcohol from 7am to midnight daily, but Reading Borough Councils licensing team, environmental health, trading standards and Thames Valley Police objected.

Objectors raised environmental concerns during Mr Singhs time in charge and pointed to Mr Gabas previous offences relating to alcohol and tobacco sales.

Alec Coomber from the councils environmental team listed problems with electrics and pest control on visits this year. He said: "Fresh rat droppings were found."

Mr Gaba was represented by licensing consultant Surendra Panchal, who said work had begun to fix the issues. He said: "Work is slow going, but it's started."

Councillors also worried Mr Singh remained involved after an operating schedule said he would not be; he was spotted at the shop in July. Councillor Paul Woodward asked: "What was he doing, was he just there for a laugh?"

Mr Panchal replied: "He was there as he was entitled to. Once the lease is transferred, Mr Singh will no longer be involved."

Ian Savill from trading standards pointed to Mr Gabas previous convictions for the sale of counterfeit alcohol in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2017 and breaches over tobacco sales.

There were also questions about Mr Gabas commitment to the shop while he manages the Yellow Chilli restaurant and banquet hall in Southall and does not appear as a director or person with significant control on Companies House.

Mr Panchal said: "He'll be at the store four to five times a week, not full time, maybe a morning and an evening shift, and he'll be at the events in Yellow Chilli. That's how both businesses will work. If he's needed more elsewhere, he'll appoint a supervisor. Staff at the store will have personal licences to sell alcohol."

Mr Panchal also clarified Yellow Chilli is owned by his son, who attended the meeting with his sister, and he communicated with Mr Gaba in an Indian language during the hearing.

The application was refused, so alcohol cannot be sold from M&M Food & Wine. Mr Gaba has the right to appeal. The decision was made by councillors Woodward, David Stevens and Glenn Dennis at the meeting on Thursday, August 20.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter