A convenience store in Reading town centre is in trouble as police have accused the company of hiring illegal workers and selling stolen goods.
Drinks 4 U, trading as Maan Food & Wine, is a small kiosk in Market Place next to Greggs and the Romans estate agents that sells drinks, snacks and vapes.
It currently has a licence to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises from 8am to 11pm each day.
PC Declan Smyth from Thames Valley Police has submitted an application to Reading Borough Council for the store’s alcohol sales licence to be reviewed.
The application for review states: “Thames Valley Police submit this application for review in order to address the failure of the premises licence holder to promote the four licensing objectives via their insufficient measures to ensure due diligence and promote the licensing objectives.”
He then accused the business owner of hiring illegal workers and the premises licence holder of purchasing stolen goods.
The four licensing objectives are the prevention of crime and disorder, to uphold public safety, prevent nuisance and protect children from harm.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service had a brief conversation with the business owner who is investigating his options for legal representation.
The review could result in stricter licensing conditions being imposed by the council, the activities being temporarily suspended, or the licence being revoked in full.
A statutory consultation into the review is currently live. You can make a representation by emailing licensing@reading.gov.uk.
The deadline for responses is Thursday, May 22.
The application was submitted by PC Smyth on behalf of chief constable Jason Hogg.
The licence to sell alcohol until 11pm each night was achieved by the former Top Choice Gadgets business, which was sold last year.
