Local News · Reading
Police object to licence transfer for Reading store over history of safety breaches
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Thames Valley Police have formally opposed an application to transfer the licence of a Kings Road store that has previously faced enforcement action for safety and licensing failures.
Thames Valley Police have lodged an official objection to a proposed change in management at a convenience store in Reading, citing a persistent history of serious safety and licensing failings. The application to transfer the premises licence for Kings Food & Wine at 91-93 Kings Road from Manmeet Singh to current staff member Satpal Singh is now set to be determined by Reading Borough Council.
The store, situated opposite a popular town centre pub, has been under intense scrutiny from local authorities since it began operations in early 2024. During this period, council licensing officers and police have identified a series of concerning breaches. Notably, inspectors recovered knives kept behind the shop counter on several occasions, including during visits in August 2024 and June 2026. Additionally, evidence submitted by the police highlighted that children's toys were being displayed in close proximity to age-restricted goods, including alcohol, tobacco products and energy drinks.
These operational failures were compounded by a reported rat infestation at the premises earlier in February. Following a review hearing of the current alcohol licence, the store was subject to a temporary four-week suspension of sales.
PC Declan Smyth, representing Thames Valley Police, argued that the proposed transfer does not constitute a fresh start for the business. In his objection, he noted that the individual currently seeking to take over the licence has been working at the premises since late 2025 and was therefore present during a period of significant non-compliance. PC Smyth stated that the police have no confidence that the licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder would be upheld under the new management, as the proposed holder was actively involved while the failures took place.
The current licence holder, Manmeet Singh, has previously faced regulatory action regarding the employment of an illegal worker at a separate premises in East Reading. The decision regarding the future of the Kings Road licence rests with the council's licensing applications sub-committee, which is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, October 27.
Source: Reading Chronicle · View original