To confirm the Minutes of the Licensing Applications Sub-Committee meeting held on 28 November 2025.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 28 November 2025 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider an application for the variation of premises licence in respect of Mina’s, 1a Buckland Road, Reading, RG2 7SP.

The Sub-Committee considered a report on an application for the grant of a premises licence in respect of Mina’s, 1A Buckland Road, Reading, RG2 7SP. 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 (On and Off the Premises):

Monday to Sunday            0900hrs until 2300hrs

Hours the Premises is Open to the Public:

Monday to Saturday          0730hrs until 2330hrs

Sunday                             0800hrs until 2330hrs

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 valid representations had been received from Ms Janet Withers - Local Resident – Attached as Appendix RS-3 and Ms Margaret Hunter - Local Resident – Attached as Appendix RS-4.

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, 6.24 to 6.26, 7.2, 7.6, 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, and Ben Williams, Licensing & Enforcement Officer, Reading Borough Council, attended the hearing, presented the report and addressed the Sub-Committee. Nicola Butler, Senior Licensing Enforcement Officer, attended the meeting as an observer.

The Applicant, Jean Michel Parisotto and his representative, Manuel Rocha, attended the meeting, addressed the Sub-Committee on the application and asked and responded to questions.

Local residents, Ms Janet Withers and Ms Margaret  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.