Politics & Council · Reading
Reading shop faces licence review over repeated weapon discoveries
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
A convenience store in Kings Road faces a potential licence revocation following multiple reports of knives being kept in areas accessible to staff.
A Reading convenience store is facing a formal licensing review after authorities discovered knives repeatedly stored behind the service counter. King Food & Wine, located at 91-93 Kings Road, has been the subject of multiple inspections by Thames Valley Police and Reading Borough Council, which have raised significant concerns regarding the management of the premises.
The business, which opened in the spring of 2024, is now under scrutiny as officials seek to address a series of alleged failures. Evidence submitted ahead of a licensing sub-committee hearing includes reports that knives were found under the till and behind the counter on three separate occasions between August 2024 and June 2026. Licensing officer Ben Williams noted in correspondence to the owner that these items were consistently kept within arm's reach of staff.
In a formal statement regarding the case, PC Declan Smyth said: "The repeated discovery of knives accessible to staff behind service counters is highly concerning. The fact that such items continued to be found over a prolonged period, despite previous intervention, demonstrates a failure to address known safety issues."
Beyond the safety concerns regarding the knives, authorities have highlighted further management issues. Evidence provided to the committee includes photographs showing children's toys and DVDs stored in close proximity to age-restricted products, including alcohol, energy drinks, and smoking paraphernalia. Furthermore, licensing records indicate that the owner, Manmeet Singh, was previously linked to an inspection at another premises, M&M Food & Wine in Wokingham Road, where an illegal worker was discovered during a Home Office immigration enforcement visit in June 2024.
The council's licensing applications sub-committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, October 1, to determine the future of the store's operating licence. Councillors have the authority to impose a range of measures, including the modification of licence conditions, the suspension of alcohol sales for up to three months, or the complete revocation of the premises licence. Mr Singh or his representative will have the opportunity to present a response to the allegations during the hearing.
Source: Reading Chronicle · View original