A CORNER SHOP in Newtown can no longer sell booze after Reading Borough Council stripped its licence.
The Yuvrajs Mini Market on the corner of Manchester Road and Radstock Road was accused of selling stolen goods by a Thames Valley Police licensing officer, something disputed by store owners.
In an inspection, police and council licensing officers allegedly found a number of bottles of spirits with security tags attached to them, and a blue plastic bag containing a number of tags.
These tags were said to be attached to the bottles even though the store does not have a security system for them.
The alleged discoveries were made in an inspection undertaken at around 11am on Wednesday, June 28.
Thames Valley Police accused staff at the store of handling stolen goods and called for the licence to be reviewed. This was supported by a council licensing officer, who noted that Manchester Road suffers high levels of anti-social behaviour including street drinking, drug use, graffiti and assaults.
A private meeting of Reading Borough Council’s licensing applications committee backed up the police and saw the licence to sell alcohol revoked.
The meeting was held behind closed doors at the request of Yuvraj’s legal representation Bill Donne, due to confidential information being discussed.
The decision was made by councillors Paul Woodward (Labour, Church), Deborah Edwards (Labour, Southcote) and Sue Kitchingham (Labour, Caversham Heights) on Thursday, December 7.
The owners of Yuvrajs Mini Market have the right to an appeal, which needs to be made within 21 days.
Mr Donne said: “My clients are bitterly disappointed with the decision and are seriously considering an appeal”.
If they go ahead, they can continue to sell alcohol until the hearing takes place at a magistrates court.
