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The proposed hours have been varied to 2am - therefore closure at 2.30am has been rejected. Door staff must begin at 9pm. The committee felt the conditions are stringent enough to warrant the grant of an application, albeit with an earlier closure than asked for.
November 28, 2025 at 12:24 PM
The proposed hours have been varied to 2am - therefore closure at 2.30am has been rejected. Door staff must begin at 9pm. The committee felt the conditions are stringent enough to warrant the grant of an application, albeit with an earlier closure than asked for.
Bill: "1am is artificially early. We still want 1am for Thursday, but earlier in the week, there isn't the business. 2am is not that late. We would ask the application to grant as amended, principally for Fri and Sat until 2am." The chamber is now cleared for councillors to make a decision.
November 28, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Bill: "1am is artificially early. We still want 1am for Thursday, but earlier in the week, there isn't the business. 2am is not that late. We would ask the application to grant as amended, principally for Fri and Sat until 2am." The chamber is now cleared for councillors to make a decision.
Bil: "It gives my client to trade successfully, we're confident it will promote the 4 licensing conditions. 9pm for doorstaff is too early. St Mary's Butts is problematic. My client has taken on big business, they are prepared to invest more money, and create a vibrant night-time economy."
November 28, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Bil: "It gives my client to trade successfully, we're confident it will promote the 4 licensing conditions. 9pm for doorstaff is too early. St Mary's Butts is problematic. My client has taken on big business, they are prepared to invest more money, and create a vibrant night-time economy."
"They failed, we don't have the confidence they will be able to comply. 1am is our compromise, I think it's a good compromise, and I believe the applicant will be happy with that, obviously they will knuckle down and go for 2am, but 1am is a good time." Bill: "It is 2am, that's not negotiable."
November 28, 2025 at 11:47 AM
"They failed, we don't have the confidence they will be able to comply. 1am is our compromise, I think it's a good compromise, and I believe the applicant will be happy with that, obviously they will knuckle down and go for 2am, but 1am is a good time." Bill: "It is 2am, that's not negotiable."
Bill: "The application states that the idea is to trade as a restaurant, then flips into a bar." Ben: "We share concerns that TVP have. I ask you take appropriate action. PC Smyth: "We cannot promote a premise from a restaurant to a bar when they can't even comply with their current conditions."
November 28, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Bill: "The application states that the idea is to trade as a restaurant, then flips into a bar." Ben: "We share concerns that TVP have. I ask you take appropriate action. PC Smyth: "We cannot promote a premise from a restaurant to a bar when they can't even comply with their current conditions."
Bill: "The applicant wants to trade until 2am, you want it to go until 1am. Other places are open until 2am-3am, why are you proposing 1am?" PC Smyth: "It would have a negative impact, there have been some worryingly serious incidents that have happened a stone's throw from BBQ Station."
November 28, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Bill: "The applicant wants to trade until 2am, you want it to go until 1am. Other places are open until 2am-3am, why are you proposing 1am?" PC Smyth: "It would have a negative impact, there have been some worryingly serious incidents that have happened a stone's throw from BBQ Station."
PC Smyth: "Incidents are going to occur, it's how they manage it. They need to show us they are and can be a valued member of the nighttime economy." Bill states an email was sent in 25 Sept in a pre-application consultation, which states their concept is similar to Coconut Bar and Kitchen.
November 28, 2025 at 11:36 AM
PC Smyth: "Incidents are going to occur, it's how they manage it. They need to show us they are and can be a valued member of the nighttime economy." Bill states an email was sent in 25 Sept in a pre-application consultation, which states their concept is similar to Coconut Bar and Kitchen.
PC Smyth: "TVP cannot put a price on safety. 1am is a good first step, it allows them to build and move successfully into the night-time economy. We ask that it is 1am Monday to Sunday with a 30 minute dispersal, it allows them an opportunity to build their business, and move on from there."
November 28, 2025 at 11:30 AM
PC Smyth: "TVP cannot put a price on safety. 1am is a good first step, it allows them to build and move successfully into the night-time economy. We ask that it is 1am Monday to Sunday with a 30 minute dispersal, it allows them an opportunity to build their business, and move on from there."
PC Smyth states venues in Gun St and Friar St have had reduced hours initially, and have been able to prove themselves to apply for later hours after proving their success. "We expect not just due diligence, we expect them to be a beacon of best practice. That hasn't happened."
November 28, 2025 at 11:27 AM
PC Smyth states venues in Gun St and Friar St have had reduced hours initially, and have been able to prove themselves to apply for later hours after proving their success. "We expect not just due diligence, we expect them to be a beacon of best practice. That hasn't happened."
PC Smyth: "1am is still on the table, with 30 mins dispersal. St Mary's Butts regretably is the number 1 hotspot for crime in the town centre, since Sept, it is the only one that has seen a rise in crime and disorder. There are premises that noticeably have issues."
November 28, 2025 at 11:25 AM
PC Smyth: "1am is still on the table, with 30 mins dispersal. St Mary's Butts regretably is the number 1 hotspot for crime in the town centre, since Sept, it is the only one that has seen a rise in crime and disorder. There are premises that noticeably have issues."
PC Smyth: "Across the board, it is failing" he mentions a blocked fire exit, and discarded and worn fire extinguishers being kept, which he calls "a serious issue." He states evidence of an improvement hasn't been provided. "The premises as it stands wasn't complying, we can't award poor diligence"
November 28, 2025 at 11:20 AM
PC Smyth: "Across the board, it is failing" he mentions a blocked fire exit, and discarded and worn fire extinguishers being kept, which he calls "a serious issue." He states evidence of an improvement hasn't been provided. "The premises as it stands wasn't complying, we can't award poor diligence"
PC Smyth: "For a restaurant closing at 1am, the risk goes down/ We're quite adamant that 1am is adequate for this style of premises. If they successfully operate, they can show a history and due diligence, then going on to 2am 12-18 months down the line, we'd be satisfied. We don't have confidence."
November 28, 2025 at 11:17 AM
PC Smyth: "For a restaurant closing at 1am, the risk goes down/ We're quite adamant that 1am is adequate for this style of premises. If they successfully operate, they can show a history and due diligence, then going on to 2am 12-18 months down the line, we'd be satisfied. We don't have confidence."
PC Smyth says the opposing party felt the conditions were "disproportionate". "I did state this application is no longer just for a restaurant, it sits in that high-risk category. If the proposal is for 1am, we'd be seeking to add conditions." He's asking for a 9pm start for doorstaff.
November 28, 2025 at 11:15 AM
PC Smyth says the opposing party felt the conditions were "disproportionate". "I did state this application is no longer just for a restaurant, it sits in that high-risk category. If the proposal is for 1am, we'd be seeking to add conditions." He's asking for a 9pm start for doorstaff.
Ben: "If the conditions can't be complied with now, how can we expect them to comply with the tougher conditions?" Bill mentions they want training conditions divided between staff and outsourced door staff. Bill: "We really aren't a million miles away." No training for doorstaff would be an issue
November 28, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Ben: "If the conditions can't be complied with now, how can we expect them to comply with the tougher conditions?" Bill mentions they want training conditions divided between staff and outsourced door staff. Bill: "We really aren't a million miles away." No training for doorstaff would be an issue
PC Smyth: "Training is available, and it's free for SIA operatives." Bill: "Test purchase results for Ask for Angela have been bitterly disappointing. Most venues outsource their security arrangements." Ben wants continuous recording, which Bill has accepted. "The inspection raised concerns."
November 28, 2025 at 11:07 AM
PC Smyth: "Training is available, and it's free for SIA operatives." Bill: "Test purchase results for Ask for Angela have been bitterly disappointing. Most venues outsource their security arrangements." Ben wants continuous recording, which Bill has accepted. "The inspection raised concerns."
PC Smyth says townsafe radio and communications with the Street Pastors is important. He says Ask for Angela training results have been mixed in Reading, with some venues doing very well, but security staff have not been as good. "The training is key, that's our safety net. We need proof it's done."
November 28, 2025 at 10:58 AM
PC Smyth says townsafe radio and communications with the Street Pastors is important. He says Ask for Angela training results have been mixed in Reading, with some venues doing very well, but security staff have not been as good. "The training is key, that's our safety net. We need proof it's done."
Bill suggests a condition that states that if AKA BBQ Station trades past midnight it should have door staff present. The staff will definitely be there on Fri and Sat nights from 10pm until closure. Big nights such as Christmas and New Year's Eve will have door staff present as well.
November 28, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Bill suggests a condition that states that if AKA BBQ Station trades past midnight it should have door staff present. The staff will definitely be there on Fri and Sat nights from 10pm until closure. Big nights such as Christmas and New Year's Eve will have door staff present as well.
Bill points out the first inspection was undertaken under the previous ownership in Feb 2024, however the licence holder is the same. Ben argues that serious faults were identified. Ethu Crorie, the legal advisor, says some of the mistakes were repeated in Nov 2025. Two door staff will be used.
November 28, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Bill points out the first inspection was undertaken under the previous ownership in Feb 2024, however the licence holder is the same. Ben argues that serious faults were identified. Ethu Crorie, the legal advisor, says some of the mistakes were repeated in Nov 2025. Two door staff will be used.
Ben Williams asks whether Prajay has experience with the police. He says he has. Ben: "It is important to build good relations with licensing and police, is that important?" Prajay: "Yes". Ben asks whether he will be intimidated again. Prajay: "In the future, I will be more confident."
November 28, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Ben Williams asks whether Prajay has experience with the police. He says he has. Ben: "It is important to build good relations with licensing and police, is that important?" Prajay: "Yes". Ben asks whether he will be intimidated again. Prajay: "In the future, I will be more confident."
Praya: "I was thinking OMG what is happening?" Bill: "When it comes to an audit face to face for the first time, it can be intimidating. We had the files, we had the docs, but he didn't know where they were." Praya admits they were found wanting in the inspection. Bill: "We accept shortcomings."
November 28, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Praya: "I was thinking OMG what is happening?" Bill: "When it comes to an audit face to face for the first time, it can be intimidating. We had the files, we had the docs, but he didn't know where they were." Praya admits they were found wanting in the inspection. Bill: "We accept shortcomings."
However, he has done bar cover at another Travelodge. On feeling intimidated, Praya: "In a sense, yes, it was my first time, due to me not being confident on what I was asked for, I was a bit intimidated." PC Smyth: "Did we help you in any way." Praya: "Yes, it was all of a sudden."
November 28, 2025 at 10:37 AM
However, he has done bar cover at another Travelodge. On feeling intimidated, Praya: "In a sense, yes, it was my first time, due to me not being confident on what I was asked for, I was a bit intimidated." PC Smyth: "Did we help you in any way." Praya: "Yes, it was all of a sudden."
PC Declan Smyth asks Praya whether he is SIA registered, he says yes. "Working for Travelodge, have you been responsible for the sale of alcohol past 11pm?" Praya: "I was in a section where there wasn't a bar atm, but I have been trained. My personal hotel doesn't have a bar, it has a cafe."
November 28, 2025 at 10:35 AM
PC Declan Smyth asks Praya whether he is SIA registered, he says yes. "Working for Travelodge, have you been responsible for the sale of alcohol past 11pm?" Praya: "I was in a section where there wasn't a bar atm, but I have been trained. My personal hotel doesn't have a bar, it has a cafe."
He has also been a door supervisor for 6 years, and has got management experience at Travelodge. Bill: "So there has been quite a bit of training. The staff training has been done." In 2 weeks time, they will have 35 days worth of recording, with the rear camera being installed next Tuesday.
November 28, 2025 at 10:31 AM
He has also been a door supervisor for 6 years, and has got management experience at Travelodge. Bill: "So there has been quite a bit of training. The staff training has been done." In 2 weeks time, they will have 35 days worth of recording, with the rear camera being installed next Tuesday.
Bill: "In my view, the CCTV was inadequate, so they installed 4 more cameras. The resolution is so high it burns up too much memory. We are on track that recording days will be available for a minimum of 31 days. We've also ordered a new camera at the back." Praya has been a manager since 2012.
November 28, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Bill: "In my view, the CCTV was inadequate, so they installed 4 more cameras. The resolution is so high it burns up too much memory. We are on track that recording days will be available for a minimum of 31 days. We've also ordered a new camera at the back." Praya has been a manager since 2012.
Bill: "Three officers walked in, and he panicked. There were a couple of errors, he couldn't find the licensing files, it was there, it was only after inspectors had gone that it was found. There was an issue about the fire escape. RBFRS inspected are satisfied we are compliant."
November 28, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Bill: "Three officers walked in, and he panicked. There were a couple of errors, he couldn't find the licensing files, it was there, it was only after inspectors had gone that it was found. There was an issue about the fire escape. RBFRS inspected are satisfied we are compliant."