A convenience store in Whitley has applied to sell alcohol as late as midnight.
A convenience store in Whitley, Niki Convenience Store, is looking to extend its alcohol sales until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11pm the rest of the week.
Located in Whitley Wood Lane, the store has been a long-standing spot for a variety of snacks, drinks, and alcoholic beverages, currently open from 6.30am to 10pm on weekdays and until 11pm on weekends.
Owner Ghanshyam Patel previously made headlines in 2023 when he objected to a new alcohol license at a nearby site, arguing that the area already has an adequate supply of alcohol outlets. He raised concerns about the potential negative impact on community well-being, pointing out an 'oversaturation' of alcohol sources.
Patel even gathered 162 signatures from local residents opposing the new licence, although it was eventually granted for the development site. Now, the application for extended hours at Niki Convenience Store has been submitted to Reading Borough Council's licensing department.
You can share your opinions on the application by emailing licensing@reading.gov.uk. The deadline for comments is Tuesday, November 18.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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