To consider an application for the grant of a premises licence in respect of Reading Biscuit Factory, 1a Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7QF.

The Sub-Committee considered a report on an application by RIENT Ltd for the grant of a premises licence in respect of Reading Biscuit Factory, 1a Queen’s Walk, Reading, RG1 7QF. The report stated that the premises described itself as an independent cinema, bar, and arts venue located within the town centre. Its stated primary function was as a cinema, with the sale of alcohol being ancillary to this principal use.

The report stated that the premises had previously held a Premises Licence (LP2003295), granted in June 2021, and set out the licensable activities and permitted hours under that licence. The report explained that the licence was originally held by Really Local Group Limited and was subsequently transferred to RLG SPV BETA Ltd following the liquidation of Really Local Group Limited. On 6 February 2026, RLG SPV BETA Ltd entered liquidation. Under the Licensing Act 2003, where a premises licence holder enters liquidation, administration, or bankruptcy, the licence lapses immediately. To prevent permanent loss, the licence must be transferred within a statutory period of 28 days. The report further stated that on 23 April 2026, the Council’s Business Support Team had informed the Licensing Team that Reading Biscuit Factory was being operated by RIENT LTD rather than RLG SPV BETA Ltd. However, the Sub-Committee was advised that the licence had not been transferred to RIENT LTD within the required 28-day period and had therefore lapsed.

On 23 April 2026, a member of the Licensing Authority contacted Reading Biscuit Factory by email advising that, due to the lapse of the licence, all licensable activity must cease immediately. This correspondence was accompanied by an explanatory letter, which likewise stated that all licensable activity must cease, and which was also hand-delivered to the premises and provided directly to a Duty Manager on the same date.

On 24 April 2026, officers from the Council’s Licensing Team attended the premises to verify whether all licensable activity had stopped. An officer entered the premises and purchased a pint of beer. Two Licensing Officers then identified themselves, spoke with staff, and reiterated to them that the premises licence had lapsed and that licensable activity must cease.

On 25 April 2026, officers from the Council’s Licensing Team attended the premises again to hand?deliver a warning letter. Officers entered the premises under section 179 of the Licensing Act 2003 to ascertain whether any unauthorised licensable activities were taking place. The officers observed a sign displayed at the bar stating that there was “no beer”, and the Duty Manager confirmed that no alcohol had been served. However, during the visit, officers noted that films were being shown across three cinema screens. Officers advised the Duty Manager that the exhibition of films without valid authorisation constituted an unauthorised licensable activity. Officers further advised the Duty Manager that this was the third occasion on which officers had attended the premises and observed licensable activity taking place. Guidance was also provided in relation to the use of Temporary Event Notices (TENs).

The report  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4