Dolphins Bar Faces Alcohol Licence Showdown

A showdown is looming over alcohol sales at Dolphins Caribbean Kitchen and Bar in Reading after its owner has been accused of hiring a woman who doesnt have the right to work in the UK.

Dolphins opened at St Marys Butts in April last year. Reading Borough Council licensing officers and Home Office immigration enforcers say they found a woman alleged to be working illegally; she was arrested during a visit to the bar on February 19.

The business has not been fined. The evidence document states: "A Civil Penalty referral was served for the Civil Penalty Team to investigate and decide if a Civil Penalty Fine will be issued."

Council officers also say the venue stayed open past 3am for a special event despite holding a Temporary Event Notice, which they say breached the rules.

The evidence has been published ahead of a council meeting to decide whether Dolphins should be allowed to continue selling alcohol and hosting entertainment.

People have defended the business on Facebook. Replying to the allegation about the TEN, Lauren Mitchell Males said: "It took 18 minutes for people to leave. One time. They are being ridiculous to try and revoke his licence over that!!

"And a worker who is waiting news of their immigration status, trying to earn money to live. Im sorry, but thats not a crime, thats human compassion."

Addressing the councils licensing team, Tasha Goodman said: "Leave them alone. How are you meant to survive while waiting so many years for the government to pull their finger out and give this lady the right to work ...... shes not sponging off the state ..... shes working ...... leave her be..

"Go pick on the food establishments that have zero or one star hygiene rating and rats running around .... You leave them to serve local customers!"

Angie Cox added: "I wonder who benefits if they close, which local restaurant was losing business to a Caribbean business?

"There are so many dodgy businesses in Reading, funny how they pick on one thats popular!!

"What about all the food places that never have a customer but open every day?

"Maybe look at how these businesses stay open with no custom rather than businesses that actually serve customers."

No supporting comments for Dolphins were submitted as official representations during the statutory consultation. Notices about licensing reviews appear at the bottom of the councils premises licence applications webpage; otherwise a business must publish a public notice.

The licensing team has called for the licence to sell alcohol and host entertainment to be revoked. A decision is due at a meeting of the councils licensing applications sub-committee on Thursday, June 11.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter