To consider an application for the variation of a Premises Licence in respect of BP Weldale Connect, 324 Wokingham Road, Reading.

The Head of Planning, Development and Regulatory Services submitted a report on an application by BP Oil UK Ltd for a variation of the premises licence in respect of BP Weldale Connect, 324 Wokingham Road, Reading.

The report stated that the premises currently had a Premises Licence in force, which permitted the following:

Provision of Late Night Refreshment (Indoor and Outdoor)

Monday to Sunday from 2300hrs until 0500hrs

Sale by Retail of Alcohol (off the premises)

Monday to Sunday from 0800hrs until 2300hrs

Opening Hours

Monday to Sunday from 0000 hours until 2400 hours

A copy of the Premises Licence was attached to the report at Appendix 5.

The application was seeking to vary the Premises Licence to allow:

Sale of Alcohol, Off the Premises

Monday to Sunday 0000 hours until 2400 hours

A copy of the application form was attached to the report at Appendix 1.

A representation had also been received from Reading Borough Council’s Licensing Team and was attached to the report at Appendix 2.  A representation had been received from Thames Valley Police and was attached to the report at Appendix 3.  A representation had been received from a member of the public, Mr George Martin and was attached to the report at Appendix 4.

The report stated that in considering 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 also stated that any conditions placed on the 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 should it be deemed appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

The report set out paragraphs 2.15-2.16, 8.41-8.49, 9.11-9.13, 10.4-10.5 and 14.63 from the Secretary of State’s guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 (April 2018) and paragraph 11.4.1 from the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy (October 2013).

PC Simon Wheeler of Thames Valley Police, was present at the meeting and addressed the Sub-Committee on the application. Mr Peter Narancic of Reading Borough Council’s Licensing Team was present at the meeting and addressed the Sub-Committee on the application.

The applicant was represented by Mr Robert Botkai, Solicitor, who addressed the Sub-Committee on the application and responded to questions.  Mr Carl Davidson, Licensing Manager, BP plc, was also present and responded to questions from the Sub-Committee.

Resolved –

(1)      That, in order to promote the four licensing objectives, and having regard to the oral and written representations made, the Secretary of State’s guidance (April 2018), in particular paragraphs 2.15-2.16, 8.41-8.49, 9.11-9.13, 10.4-10.5 and 14.63 and paragraph 11.4.1 the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy (October 2013), the application for the variation of the Premises Licence in respect of BP Weldale Connect, 324 Wokingham Road be granted to permit:

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