A bid to resume alcohol sales at a convenience store in Reading where a failed asylum seeker from Nepal was found has been blocked.
M&M Food & Wine is a large store situated along the busy Wokingham Road shopping area in East Reading.
The former manager, Manmeet Singh, previously had permission to sell alcohol there, but this was surrendered after an illegal worker from Nepal was found there during an inspection on Sunday, June 17.
The man arrived in the country without legal authorisation, claimed asylum but was rejected, meaning he is liable for deportation.
He said he worked there from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and some Saturdays.
While the inspection report states the man initially said he was fed rice and beans in compensation, he later claimed he was being paid £10-£15 per day, with evidence showing he had been working since April.
Another businessman, Kulwant Singh Gabа, applied to sell alcohol from 7am to midnight each day.
But Reading Borough Council's licensing team, environmental health department, trading standards and Thames Valley Police all objected.
A meeting of the council's licensing was held to make a decision.
Objectors raised a series of environmental during his Mr Singh's time in charge, and Mr Gaba previous offences relating to the sale of alcohol and tobacco.
Alec Coomber from the council's environmental team listed issues with electrics and pest control during visits this year.
He said: “Fresh rat droppings were found.”
Mr Gaba was represented by licensing consultant Surendra Panchal, who stated work is being undertaken to rectify the issues the environmental health team had identified.
He said: “Work is slow going, but it's started.”
Concerns remained about Mr Singh's continued involvement in the store, as he was spotted there in July, despite an operating schedule stating that he would no longer be involved in the business.
Councillor Paul Woodward (Labour, Church) said: “What was he doing, was he just there for a laugh?”
Mr Panchal replied: "He was there as he was entitled to. Once the lease is transferred, Mr Singh will no longer be involved.”
Ian Savill, a principal trading standards officer, mentioned Mr Gaba's previous convictions for the sale of counterfeit alcohol in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2017 and rule breaches for the sale of tobacco.
There were also questions about Mr Gaba's focus on M&M Food and Wine, as he manages the Yellow Chilli restaurant and banquet hall in Southall, but does not appear as director or a person with significant control on Companies House.
Mr Panchal said: “He'll be at the store four to five times a week, not full time, maybe a morning and an evening shift, and he'll be at the events in Yellow Chilli.
“That's how both businesses will work. If he's needed more elsewhere, he'll appoint a supervisor. Staff at the store will have personal licences to sell alcohol.”
He then clarified Yellow Chilli is owned by his son, who was present at the meeting alongside his sister.
Throughout the meeting, Mr Panchal communicated with Mr Gaba in an Indian language.
Ultimately, the application was refused, meaning alcohol cannot be sold from M&M Food & Wine.
Mr Gaba has the right to appeal.
The decision was made by councillors Woodward, David Stevens (Labour, Abbey) and Glenn Dennis (Labour, Kentwood) at the meeting on Thursday, August 20
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