To consider an application for the variation of a premises licence in respect of the BP Leander Service Station, 182-184 Henley Road, Caversham, Reading, RG4 5LW.

The Sub-Committee considered a report on an application for the variation of a premises licence in respect of the Leander Service Station, 182-184 Henley Road, Caversham, Reading, RG4 5LW. The application had been submitted by Motor Fuel Group (MFG) Limited.

The report stated that the premises currently operated as a BP service station and was located in a residential area on Henley Road, Caversham. The premises benefited from an existing premises licence (LP9000596 refers) a copy of which was attached to the report at Appendix TS-2. The current premises licence authorised the following licensable activities and hours:

Hours for the Sale by Retail of Alcohol

Monday to Saturday from 0600hrs until 2300hrs

Sunday from 0700hrs to 2300hrs

Hours the Premises is Open to the Public

Monday to Saturday from 0600hrs until 2300hrs

Sunday from 0700hrs to 2300hrs

The report explained that an application to vary the premises licence had been received on 2 October 2024. A copy of the application form was attached to the report at Appendix TS-1. The variation application sought to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol off the premises and to add the licensable activity of late-night refreshment to the premises licence. The licensable activities and hours applied for were:

Late Night Refreshment

Monday to Sunday from 2300hrs until 0500hrs

Hours for the Sale by Retail of Alcohol (Off Sales)

Monday to Sunday from 0000hrs until 2400hrs

Hours the Premises is Open to the Public

Monday to Sunday from 0000hrs until 2400hrs

The variation application also sought to replace the conditions set out in Annex 2 of the current premises licence (copy attached at Appendix TS-2) with new conditions set out in Section 16 of the application form (copy attached at Appendix TS-1). 

During the 28-day consultation period for the variation application valid representations had been received from Robert Smalley, Licensing Officer, Reading Borough Council and Natalie Weekes, Senior Planning Officer, Reading Borough Council.

Robert Smalley’s representation had been withdrawn after the applicant had agreed to conditions put forward by the Council’s Licensing Team. A copy of the conditions that had been agreed between the Licensing Team and the Applicant was attached to the report at Appendix TS-3. 

The representation submitted by Nathalie Weekes Senior Planning Officer, was attached to the report at Appendix TS-4. The representation had been submitted due to there being significant concerns about the negative impact of the extension of opening on nearby residents in terms of noise and disturbance as well as concerns relating to public nuisance.

The report stated that in determining the application the Licensing Authority had a duty to carry out its functions with a view to promoting the four licensing objectives, as follows:

·       The prevention of crime and disorder;

·       Public safety;

·       The prevention of public nuisance;

·       The protection of children from harm.

The report stated that any decision made in relation to the Premises Licence should be appropriate and proportionate with a view to promoting the licensing objectives. The Licensing Authority could amend, alter, or  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30