The licence to sell alcohol at a pub in Caversham has been suspended after police reports that the operators were selling stolen alcohol and meat.

The Red Cow in Caversham is known for serving up drinks and a variety of food to guests.

However, the operators got into trouble with Thames Valley Police when officers investigated reports that they were selling stolen alcohol and meat.

In a raid on the pub on Thursday, July 11, officers seized about 30 bottles of alcohol and 30 items of meat.

Thames Valley Police also published evidence accusing the team at the pub of receiving stolen goods over three days this July.

On two occasions, items reportedly stolen from the nearby Co-op in Star Road were sold to the landlady of the pub.

READ MORE: Police give details of stolen drinks and food sales as neighbours defend pub

Police licensing officers called for the licence to sell alcohol to be reviewed at a Reading Borough Council meeting.

In a consultation process, neighbours defended the operators, arguing they had created a 'friendly and welcoming' environment for customers since taking over in 2018.

In a plea, resident Andy Murrill argued the suspension of the licence would be a 'disaster' for the community in Lower Caversham. 

He said: "The Red Cow is a place where people of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities and sexual orientations feel safe and welcome. 

"I lived in Caversham for 25 years and have lived and worked in Reading for 30 years. In that time I have visited many pubs and in my view The Red Cow is one of the best and friendliest in town.

"Indeed, in an area that is sometimes challenged, The Red Cow is an oasis of safety and friendliness." 

But ultimately councillors on the licensing applications sub-committee concluded that police evidence was damning enough for the licence to be suspended.

The meeting where the decision was made was held in private after a request by the licensing agent for the operators Bill Donne of Silver Fox Licensing Consultants.

The decision means that pub staff no longer have permission to sell alcohol during a three-month suspension period.

Furthermore, the Designated Premises Supervisor, in charge of the day-to-day running of the pub has been removed, and another named operator have effectively been banned from that role as well.

The decision was made by councillors Paul Woodward (Labour, Church), David Stevens (Labour, Abbey) and Louise Keane (Green, Katesgrove) on Tuesday, November 12.

Committee members did note the passion of neighbours, with Mr Murrill speaking during a public section of the meeting, and the regret expressed by the operator. 

The suspension of the licence will be undertaken 21 days after the operators are given notice of the decision.

The operators have a right to an appeal at Reading Magistrates Court.