Reading shops and wine delivery service win alcohol sales bids

In March, several licensing applications for companies to sell alcohol were submitted to Reading Borough Council.

These applications were all approved by the council’s licensing department without challenge.

The decisions by council licensing officers mean shops in Katesgrove and Caversham can now sell alcohol, and a wine delivery service from a commercial unit can also dispatch drinks to customers as well.

Licence for new grocery in Caversham 

28 Prospect Street, Caversham, which used to serve as an office for Jennings Butchers. Credit: Google Maps

A company called SS Groceries is gearing up to 28 Prospect Street in Caversham, located on its junction with Chester Street.

SS Groceries has recently won permission to sell alcohol both on and off the premises from 8am to 11pm each day.

The premises use to be occupied as an office for Jennings of Caversham, which announced its closure in October 2020.

Licence for store in Katesgrove 

The Whitley Store at 7 Whitley Street in the Katesgrove area of Reading. Credit: Google Maps

A company called G Mart has won permission to sell alcohol from 7am to 11pm each day at the Whitley Store, occupying 7 Whitley Street in Katesgrove.

The store is located  where Whitley Street meets Mount Pleasant.

It was previously called Himalaya Store before a rebrand in 2015-16.

The busy area already has a number of restaurants, takeaways and off licences.

Wine deliveries from storage facility in West Reading

Pink Hippo Self Storage at 7 Bridgewater Close, Reading. Credit: Google Maps

The Rougevin wine deliver service has won permission to conduct sales off the premises at all times from Monday to Sunday.

It is understood that Rougevin will be selling wine as ‘vin rouge’ is French for red wine.

However, there is no dedicated website for the service yet.

Coronation Party at Reading Abbey ruins

Reading Abbey Ruins. Credit: Tina Panting

It was previously understood that events company T&M Leisure Reading Limited was seeking permission for outdoor entertainment and alcohol sales for regular events at the Reading Abbey ruins from 9am to 10.30pm over weekends from Friday to Sunday.

However, council licensing officer Robert Smalley clarified that the application was only for the King’s Coronation Tribute Festival event in the Abbey ruins which was held from 12pm to 6.30pm on Sunday, May 7.

The event saw tribute acts of Queen, Elton John, Oasis, Take That and Madness.

Future applications

You can view the latest applications on the council website here.

You can comment on applications by emailing licensing@reading.gov.uk , but personal details must be supplied with no assumption of anonymity.

Any request for personal details to be removed and the justification for such a request should be notified to the council’s licensing depart at the time of making the representation.

If you have any questions, please use the above email.

If anyone makes a representation about a licensing application to the council a licensing meeting will be triggered.