Decision made on pub's plan to stay open into early hours

The Palmer Tavern in East Reading was taken over earlier this year by publican Samantha Lane, and was the first pub in the country to be opened under Greene King's (GK) Nest brand after a £360,000 renovation.

The pub owners GK subsequently launched a bid to stay open as late as 1.30am on Fridays, Saturdays, and special events in a licensing application to Reading Borough Council. 

The extended hours were justified as the pub has provided a 'safe environment' for young women to enjoy themselves. The later hours were decided on during a council meeting.

Advocating for Samantha's management, Piers Warne, a solicitor appointed by GK said: "She's built a successful business as a safe and welcoming place for young women and men as well.

"This is driven by customers who want the option of not having to go into town, and want to stay where they are happier and safer."

He added that the pub team has created a 'safe-haven' for people to enjoy a night out and social activities such as karaoke and live music.

Samantha Lane, centre, runs The Palmer Tavern with an all-female team, the same as when she ran The Royal Albion. (Image: Samantha Lane)

Mr Warne went on to argue the team's good record for later hours has been established during special events, when venues are allowed to stay open later on a limited amount of occasions per year.

The meeting was triggered after two residents objected to a licensing application for alcohol sales until 1am, raising concerns about late-night noise disturbance.

Voicing those concerns, councillor Amjad Tarar (Labour, Battle) said: "The problem is when they are on their way home. We want people to be told to enjoy themselves, as long as they don't disturb people on their way out."

Cllr Paul Woodward (Labour, Church) said neighbour complaints 'boiled down to noise' and asked GK for reassurances that disturbance would be effectively managed, as the objections had been submitted by homeowners in Bulmershe Road.

Mr Werne stressed that punters are kindly told to leave quietly at closure time. He also expressed doubt that many neighbours are affected by departing guests, arguing that Bulmershe Road is 'a substantial distance' from the pub.

A condition on the licence states that the venue must consider hiring door staff for hired and larger events. Typically, The Palmer Tavern will operate without door staff.

Cllr Tarar asks how staff will deal with incidents when door staff are not present. Publican Samantha said: "We can watch situations and we tend to know when something may happen, it's about stopping it before it gets that way."

Mr Werne added: "Customers will let staff know when trouble is brewing to prevent escalation."

Cllr Glenn Dennis (Labour, Kentwood) expressed satisfaction that amplified music will be played indoors only.

Ulitmately, the licensing applications sub-committee unanimously agreed to extended hours at the meeting on Thursday, September 12.

It means drinking can go on until 1am, with people given until 1.30am for 'drinking up time' which is unlicensable.

The later hours will also apply to special events such as Christmas, New Year's and Bank Holiday Sundays. 

Celebrating the decision, Samantha said: "I'm very pleased, and I'm sure my students are going to be very pleased as well!"