To consider an application for the grant of a premises licence in respect of Muskaan Enterprises, 10-12 Oxford Road, Reading, RG1 7LA.

The Sub-Committee considered a report on an application for the grant of a premises licence in respect of Muskaan Enterprises Ltd, 10-12 Oxford Road, Reading, RG1 2LG. A copy of the application for a premises licence was attached to the report at Appendix RS-1.

The report stated that the premises licence applied for would be to authorise the following licensable activities and hours:

Sale by Retail of Alcohol (Off the Premises):

Sunday to Thursday          from 0700hrs until 2300hrs

Friday to Saturday             from 0700hrs until 0000hrs

Hours the Premises is Open to the Public:

Sunday to Thursday          from 0700hrs until 2300hrs

Friday to Saturday             from 0700hrs until 0000hrs

A schedule of conditions agreed by the Applicant, Thames Valley Police and the Council’s Licensing Team was appended to the report at Appendix RS-2.

The report stated that the 28-day statutory consultation period for the application had closed on 17 November 2025. During this period a valid representation had been received from Alexandra Novikova, a local resident, and a copy of the representation was attached to the report at Appendix RS-3.

The report stated that in determining the application the Licensing Authority had a duty to discharge its functions with a view to promoting the four licensing objectives:

·       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 four licensing objectives. The Licensing Authority could amend, alter, or refuse an application should it be deemed appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

The report also stated that, when determining the application, the Licensing Authority must have regard to the representations received, the Licensing Authority’s own Statement of Licensing Policy and to any relevant section of the statutory guidance issued to licensing authorities by the Secretary of State. The report highlighted Section 18(6) of the Licensing Act 2003, which required that any relevant representations be considered in the context of the likely effect of the grant of the premises licence would have on the promotion of the licensing objectives.

The report set out paragraphs from the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy (specifically paragraphs: 1.6, 3.1, 3.2, 5.6, 5.7, 6.1, 6.2, 6.5, 6.11 to 6.13, 7.2, 7.6, 7.7, 7.12, 8.6, 10.1 and 10.3) and from the Secretary of State’s Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act, dated February 2025 (specifically paragraphs: 1.2 to 1.5, 8.41 to 8.49, 9.12, 9.38 to 9.40, 9.42 and 9.43). Relevant case law examples were also provided for consideration by the Sub-Committee.

Robert Smalley, Senior Licensing & Enforcement Officer, Reading Borough Council, attended the hearing, presented the report and addressed the Sub-Committee.

The Applicant, Singh Pal Molotr and his representative, Malinder Kaur, attended the meeting, addressed the Sub-Committee on the application and asked and responded to questions. Melinder Kaur, on behalf of the applicant, also proposed an additional condition requiring twice-daily litter collection outside the premises  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32