AN EAST Reading pub is seeking permission to remove restrictions on how its customers can use its beer garden.
The Jolly Anglers on Kennetside has a pool, tropical plants, a large TV screen and a bar in its rear gardens – but it currently has to close it by 9.30pm.
The pub’s leaseholder, Xhemail Zeqiri, wants the garden to remain open until 11.30pm.
The 46-year-old said: “We just want to play music in the background, and have people outside for longer, for example, when football games run after 10pm.
“It’s not good for the customers when we have to ask them to move, this would make this more relaxed.”
In order for the garden to open longer temporarily, Mr Zeqiri has to apply for Temporary Event Notices (TENs).
But there is a limit to how many TENs can be applied for per year, with Reading Borough Council restricting it to 20 events held over a total of 26 days.
In the summer, Mr Zeqiri successfully applied for a TEN to hold an end of term party at the pub for 170 students.
That night, the garden closed at 11pm but DJ music at the event had to be turned off at 9pm.
Mr Zeqiri said: “Because of the restrictions we have to be very quiet, which just pulls customers away.”
He also complained the early closure of the garden is damaging the reputation of the pub.
“We have a one-star Google review because we have restrictions and have to shut the garden.”
The review states: “They have a roof garden which you have to whisper in past 9pm because of the neighbours.
“It’s ridiculous. Go to a pub that doesn’t make you feel like you’re in a library due to the constant shushing.”
Anyone who wants to comment on the application can do so by emailing licensing@reading.gov.uk .
The deadline for representations is Wednesday, September 28.
Although the business is run by Mr Zeqiri, the application has been made by the pub’s licence holder Susan Bates.
