Dolphin's Caribbean Bar Avoids Permanent Closure

Dolphin's Caribbean bar and kitchen in Reading will stay open after a licensing dispute over a staff member who did not have the right to work.

The venue on St Mary's Butts has been trading since April last year. Reading Borough Council's licensing team accused the business of employing a woman who isn't allowed to work and argued that made it unfit to hold a premises licence. A committee reviewed the licence to sell alcohol, serve food past 11pm and host entertainment.

The woman is from Grenada, an asylum seeker who cannot work. She's a student at Reading College, doing courses at New Directions, and is being supported by the council's housing and adult social services teams.

Council officers pushed to revoke the licence, but Bill Donne, Dolphin's licensing representative, successfully argued against that. The committee instead suspended the licence for 14 days.

Mr Donne made clear Dolphin's will stay open throughout the suspension and will operate as a restaurant that does not sell alcohol, similar to cafes and halal fast-casual spots. Dolphin's sources halal food from its suppliers.

When the suspension ends, the licence for selling alcohol, serving food after 11pm and hosting entertainment will be restored for the hours 6am to midnight.

Randolph Bancroft said: "I do a lot in the community. I do a lot for the NHS and people with learning difficulties."

"I'm a really humble person, and all I want to do is help the community."

Mr Bancroft said: "It was a misunderstanding." He also said there was an issue with the handling of her documents which has since been resolved.

The suspension was imposed by councillors Paul Woodward (Labour, Church), Micky Leng (Labour, Whitley) and Louise Keane (Green, Katesgrove). It will take effect once the decision papers are served.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter