A chain sushi restaurant in Reading has withdrawn a plan to add alcoholic drinks to its takeaway and delivery menus, saying current licencing rules mean it is unnecessary.
The Itsu at Reading Gate Retail Park has been selling Asahi beer and wine in its restaurant since it opened in August 2021.
In July, it applied for permission from Reading Borough Council to offer alcohol using Deliveroo, and allowing customers to consume their drinks outside the restaurant.
It is understood Itsu is waiting for regulations to be finalised to determine whether a licensing application is required or not.
A spokesperson for Itsu said: “The premises is already licensed to sell alcohol via the premises licence for sales on the premises during the existing times stated on the licence.
“The site has been making use of the off-sales notifications under the Business & Planning Act 2020 since launching as Itsu so can currently sell alcohol for consumption on and off the premises.
“The Government stated in May that temporary off-sales would not be extended beyond September 30, so we made an application. A while later, it was confirmed they had changed their stance and do intend to extend off sales for a further year, albeit the regulations are yet to be finalised, and therefore there was no need for us to proceed with the full variation application and so it was withdrawn.”
Itsu took over from the old Pizza Hut at the Reading Gate Retail Park, which closed during the pandemic. There is also a branch in Broad Street in Reading’s town centre.
