Purpose

NOTICE OF DECISION

The Licensing Sub-Committee of West Berkshire Council (the “Sub-Committee”) met on 26 February 2026 and considered the application for the review of the Premise License in respect of premises known as The Gun, 142 Andover Road, Newbury, RG14 6NE (the “Premises”) submitted by the Home Office, Immigration Compliance Team, on 27th January 2026.

In coming to their decision, the Sub-Committee had regard to the four licensing objectives, which are:

1.     the prevention of crime and disorder;

2.     public safety;

3.     the prevention of public nuisance; and

4.     the protection of children from harm.

The Sub-Committee also considered the Department of Culture, Media and Sport Guidance on the Licensing Act 2003 and West Berkshire Council’s licensing policy.

The Sub-Committee heard representations made by:

1. The Premises Review Applicant: Raj Hundal (Home Office)
2. The Premise License Holders represented by: Tim Shield, Trevor Reardon, and Wayne Billyeald (Trust Inns)
3. The Responsible Licensing Authority: Mark Groves (Lead Licensing Officer)
4. A supporter of the License Holder: Councillor David Marsh (Ward member)

The Sub-Committee also considered the representations of the following, who did not attend or speak:

-        Thames Valley Police (Representation withdrawn following the conditions agreed by the Home Office and the License Holder)

-        Letter of support were also received from a local resident, David McTurk

Having taken those representations into account, the Sub-Committee RESOLVED that the premise license be amended with immediate effect to include the conditions agreed by the License Holder and the Home Office, which are outlined at point 4.6 in the agenda (the “Proposed Conditions”), together with the additional conditions set out below (the “Additional Conditions”).

The Sub-Committee also gave the reasons for their decision, which reasons are highlighted below and set after each Additional Condition:

1. Condition:

That the License Holder conducts regular and unannounced visits/inspections to the Premises, and in any case not less than once per month.

Reason:

As it was agreed that by discharging obligations under existing law, it was expected that the Proposed Conditions should be ordinarily complied with. It was therefore further reasoned that to ensure active compliance with immigration and employment law and the Proposed Conditions by the operator, regular visits/inspection of the Premises by the License Holder would be a reasonable, proportionate, and necessary condition.

1. Condition:

That the License Holder keeps and maintains a record of each visit/inspection and their finding, which may be requested by the Licensing Authority from time to time.

Reason:

For the Licensing Authority to ensure compliance with the condition as to the regular and unannounced visit/inspection by the License Holder in respect of the Premises, it was considered reasonable and necessary for a record of such visit/inspection and their findings be kept and maintained by the License Holder.

1. Condition:

That the Licensing Authority may, from time to time, conduct a review of compliance with these new conditions, including the Proposed Conditions and Additional Conditions.

Reason:

For the effective monitoring of the Premises in a bid to prevent the recurrence of the past immigration related issues.

Cllr Jeremy Cottam         (Chairman)

Cllr Paul Dick

Cllr Martha Vickers

Date: 4 March 2026