To confirm the Minutes of the Licensing Applications Sub-Committee meetings held on 25 April 2025 and 29 April 2025.

The Minutes of the meetings held on 25 and 29 April 2025 were confirmed as correct records and signed by the Chair.

At this point, the Sub-Committee will consider whether to exercise its power to exclude members of the press and public under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) for the following items on the agenda due to there being a high likelihood that there would be disclosure of exempt information as defined in the relevant paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act.

Resolved –

That, pursuant to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), members of the press and public be excluded during consideration of the following item of business as it was likely that there would be disclosures of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 specified in Part 1 of Schedule 12A (as amended) to that Act.

(Several individuals attended the meeting who had a business interest in Gun Street Garden but who were not directly involved in the day-to-day management of the premises were also excluded from the meeting along with the press and public.)

To consider an application for the Summary Review of a Premises Licence in respect of Gun Street Garden, 5 Gun Street, Reading, RG1 2JR.

The Sub-Committee considered a report on an application by Thames Valley Police for the summary review of the premises licence in respect of Gun Street Garden, 5 Gun Street, Reading, RG1 2JR.

The report stated that the application for a summary review had been submitted by Thames Valley Police on the grounds which had been outlined within the application form and accompanying certificate. A copy of the application form and certificate, dated 25 April 2025, were attached to the report at Appendix RS-1. Additional confidential information submitted by Thames Valley Police in support of the application was attached to the report at Appendix RS-7.

The report set out the content of the application and certificate which stated that the premises had been associated with serious crime and disorder and that, on Sunday 20 April 2025 at approximately 02:00hrs, a report had been made of an assault during which a male suspect had thrown a hard plastic glass and a punch at a female’s face resulting in the victim having to attend A&E. Later, on Sunday 20 April 2025, at approximately 03:07hrs, a report of public disorder was made that resulted in a significant policing response that required the utilisation of public order tactics. The response had committed the majority of Reading’s police resources to control the situation stemming from the premises and its patrons and had meant that police resources had not been able to attend other calls for service across Reading. The report stated the application for review had been submitted to prevent the further undermining of the Licensing Objectives.

The report stated that the premises currently benefited from a premise licence (copy at Appendix RS-2) that authorised the following licensable activities:

Provision of Regulated Entertainment (Exhibition of Films - Performance of Live Music - Playing of Recorded Music - Performance of Dance - Anything Similar to Live Music, Recorded Music or Performance of Dance)

Monday to Saturday          from 1000hrs to 0300hrs

Sunday                              from 1200hrs to 0200hrs

Provision of Late Night Refreshment

Monday to Saturday          from 2300hrs to 0300hrs

Sunday                              from 2300hrs to 0200hrs

Sale by Retail of Alcohol (On & Off Sales):

Monday to Saturday          from 1000hrs to 0300hrs

Sunday                              from 1200hrs to 0200hrs

All licensable activities to extend on Bank Holiday Sunday from 1200hrs to 0430hrs

Hours the Premises is Open to the Public:

Monday to Saturday          from 1000hrs to 0330hrs

Sunday                              from 1200hrs to 0230hrs

The report stated that, following the receipt of the application, a meeting of the Licensing Applications Sub Committee had been held on 25 April 2025 to consider whether interim steps were required. At that meeting the Sub-Committee determined it necessary to suspend the premise licence immediately pending the full review hearing. A copy of the minutes for the meeting were attached at Appendix RS-3.

During the 10 working day consultation period for the application the following representations had been received:

·       A representation from Ben Williams, submitted on behalf of Reading Borough Council’s Licensing Team, in support of Thames Valley Police’s application  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.