‘Life saver’: Supporters upset at ‘ridiculous’ Premier licence review

A cherished bar and shop in Reading could lose their licence after a spate of violence including mass brawls and a nearby stabbing.

Thames Valley Police called in a review of Bar Iguana and Premier’s licence after the latest incident, a large-scale fight on December 21.

The police have strongly recommended the licence be revoked because of large scale fights, possession of drugs, and a stabbing in the area, as well as the need to use a taser to arrest one individual.

The area ranks number one for crime in the town centre between 11pm and 6am.

PC Simon Wheeler said: “There has been a history of poor management and processes linked to this premises licence and numerous incidents of crime and disorder involving both individuals and groups.”

Police also discovered off-licence store Premier has been selling alcohol later than its licence allows and sold alcohol to a 17-year-old.

Bar Iguana and Premier share one licence, held by Mohammed Saleem, which the council could choose to revoke at Thursday’s (March 12) Licensing committee.

Mr Saleem is also the licence holder for Favourite Chicken and Pizza, which is next door and whose licence is being reviewed in the coming weeks.

PC Wheeler suggested the combined impact of the three shops is the reason for issues in St Mary’s Butts, with the area ranking number one for crime in the town centre between 11pm and 6am.

Premier currently has a licence to open 24 hours a day and sell alcohol from 7am-2am.

Bar Iguana can open from 10am-3am and sell alcohol until 2am from Sunday to Thursday, with extended opening hours until 4am and alcohol on sale until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.

But police found CCTV footage showing Premier had sold alcohol to customers after 3am on a Saturday, December 14, 2019 and the shop has also sold alcohol to under-17s in the past.

Supporters’ Plea

Several residents have written to the council in support of the bar and shop.

Maria McDonald said she was very upset to learn about the review and that said she had never experienced any trouble inside Premier over many years.

Another Premier fan, Rick Tubbs said: “It is ridiculous that the actions of a few people can potentially harm a business which has been operating in town for a long time now.

“Premier is one of the only shops I trust in town and has been a life saver for me on many occasions when nothing else is open late at night.”

Ursula Codrington said the bar is an important space for night shift hospital staff.

She said: “Bar Iguana is a unique, secluded, multicultural premises which, from Thursdays-Saturdays is often frequented by night shift medical staff and care workers including myself.

“We have always felt safe and secure at this bar due to numerous television and security cameras in and around the building and the high presence and level of security guards at the entrance.”