A Reading town centre corner store could be banned from selling alcohol after the owner was accused of assault and concerns were raised by police.
Thames Valley Police has called for the alcohol licence of the Today’s Express in Duke Street to be revoked after an inspection at the shop.
The owner of the store, Quais Aziz, denies the accusations.
Police licensing officer Simon Wheeler wants Reading Borough Council to revoke the licence to sell alcohol at the premises.
Currently, alcohol can be sold from 8am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 10.30pm on Sundays.
Mr Aziz and his employee Mohammed Naseri could be banned from selling alcohol after police said they had failed to comply with licensing conditions.
The most serious accusation is that Mr Aziz slapped a woman’s face, grabbed her by the neck and threw her out of the premises.
Police say he was arrested and charged with assault after an incident occurred on May 18, 2022 – an allegation that remains under investigation.
After an inspection on September 28, 2020, police submitted evidence that licence conditions are not being adhered to, finding that the Challenge 25 age verification policy was not displayed or available, and a policy that drinks must be bought in packs of four was not being followed – as single cans were reportedly being sold including to a known street drinker.
Mr Aziz disputed the claims in a conversation with the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
He denied not following the correct procedures such as the Challenge 25 alcohol sale policy, and has called for the meeting to be postponed until he has a solicitor to represent him and a translator.
Mr Aziz said: “I’m not able to come to the meeting because I work 8am to 11pm, seven days a week.
“Also, my English is not perfect, so I need a solicitor and a translator.
“If they stop me selling alcohol I can’t run the business. Me and my business partner have families, what’s going to happen [to them]?”
Mr Aziz said he has requested a different time for the review, which is scheduled for 9.30am on Thursday, February 2.
Mr Naseri has a medical appointment on the day of the hearing, according to Mr Aziz.
He added that they are both family men, with Mr Aziz having three children and Mr Naseri having five children.
Mr Aziz said: “We are looking after our children. If they take my licence I can’t pay the rent, the electrics, and my bills. This is our livelihood.”
Mr Aziz can appeal any decision made by the council’s licensing committee by a submission to a magistrates court.
