To consider an application for the grant of a premises licence in respect of Sip n Vape, 53 Donkin Hill, Caversham, Reading, RG4 5DG.

The Sub-Committee considered a report on an application for the grant of a premises licence in respect of Sip n Vape, 53 Donkin Hill, Caversham, Reading, RG4 5DG. A copy of the application, submitted by Mr Paramjeet Shdana and dated 18 May 2026, was attached to the report at Appendix NB-1. The application stated that the premises would operate as a convenience store and off-licence and sought a premises licence authorising the following licensable activities and operating hours:

Sale by Retail of Alcohol (Off the Premises):

Monday to Sunday from 0700hrs until 2300hrs

Hours the Premises is Open to the Public:

Monday to Sunday from 0700hrs until 2300hrs

The report stated that there was currently no licence in force at the premises and that the premises had previously been occupied by a kitchen showroom and was located adjacent to a hair salon and a tile showroom.

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

The report stated that the 28-day statutory consultation period for the application had closed on 15 June 2026. During that period, two valid representations had been received from two local residents. Copies of the representations and subsequent correspondence with the local residents were attached to the report at Appendices NB-3, NB-4, NB-5 and NB-6.

The report highlighted that, when considering any application, the Licensing Authority should be aware that Temporary Event Notices (TENs) might be used to authorise licensable activities and might enable a premises to extend the hours or scope of its operation.

The report set out the powers of the Licensing Authority when determining an application for the grant of a premises licence and explained that the Sub-Committee could:

• Grant the application as applied for;
• Grant the application subject to modifications;
• Refuse the application.

The report stated that, when considering the representations received, the Licensing Authority had a duty to carry out 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 also stated that any conditions placed on a premises licence should be appropriate and proportionate with a view to promoting the licensing objectives and that the Licensing Authority could amend, alter or refuse an application where it considered it appropriate to do so. In determining the application, the Licensing Authority must also have regard to the representations received, the Licensing Authority’s Statement of Licensing Policy and any relevant sections of the statutory guidance issued by the Secretary of State under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

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, 6.12, 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 2003 (specifically paragraphs: 1.2 to 1.5, 8.41 to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7