Reading Store's Licence Suspended Over Hygiene Concerns

Knives found behind the counter at King Food & Wine in Reading were used to cut fruit, the shop told licensing officers after single knives were discovered during three inspections.

The store has sold alcohol from 7am to 11pm daily since opening in Spring 2024 in Kings Road. Licensing officers from Reading Borough Council and a Thames Valley Police officer asked for alcohol sales to be banned.

The current manager, Satpal Singh, answered questions with help from a friend, who said: "We use it to cut bananas and fruits at the counter."

When asked to name the four licensing objectives - preventing crime and disorder, preventing public nuisance, protecting children from harm and upholding public safety - Satpal Singh could not and murmured in another language.

Health officers also reported rat droppings and entry points found at the shop on February 28. Ms Kaur said the shop closed voluntarily; Alec Comber added: "While the closure was voluntary, it did meet the threshold for a forced closure."

A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice can force closure if a food business is a risk to health. Because the shop closed voluntarily it avoided a magistrates court hearing; it reopened on March 3 but still has a 0/5 food hygiene rating.

The licence being reviewed was held by Manmeet Singh, who was delayed arriving at the meeting. Councillor Paul Woodward joked: "Maybe he's left the country." Satpal Singh took over in October last year.

Ms Kaur suggested a temporary suspension to allow the new management to make improvements: "They are investing in management. A short suspension would allow the new management to complete the required steps."

Police and licensing officers disagreed, citing breaches found on June 24: a knife, toys placed around alcohol and energy drinks, sale of smoking pipes, and failures in staff training and CCTV.

Ms Kaur did produce log books and signage required by licence conditions. An application to transfer the licence from Manmeet Singh to Satpal Singh was mentioned; Ms Kaur said delays were due to business rate and water bill debts being resolved first.

At the council meeting on Thursday 1 October councillors suspended the licence for four weeks, banning alcohol sales for that period. The decision was made by councillors Paul Woodward, Amjad Tarar and Saadia Saadat.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter