Greenwood Chapter Limited, an independent bookshop at 35 Peach Street in Wokingham town centre, has applied for a premises licence to host live music and sell alcohol.
The application seeks permission for acoustic live music 6pm-11pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; recorded music 9am-11pm Tuesday to Saturday; and the sale of alcohol.
The shop says it will be more than a traditional bookshop, running book clubs, author events, creative workshops, after-hours reading sessions and acoustic music nights. It also plans to sell refreshments including tea, coffee and wine.
The application drew attention on social media, with some residents asking why a bookshop would need a music licence, while others welcomed the plans as a new cultural space for the town.
One resident described it as a "great idea" and said a bookshop offering events, live music and refreshments could be a welcome addition to Wokingham. Another wrote: "An independent bookshop in Wokingham yes!!! And with live music too, what a beautiful thing that could be brewing."
Others noted independent retailers increasingly need to diversify to stay viable. The deadline for representations has passed and Wokingham Borough Council will determine the application in due course.
Katie French, Local Democracy Reporter
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