A music shop in Wokingham town centre has applied to have music events and sell beer in store on a permanent basis.
Beyond the Download vinyl store in Rose Street has submitted a licensing application to host live music, sell beer in store and for takeaway, and play recorded music until 10pm Monday to Sunday.
The plans have been explained by Ian Biles, the owner of the shop.
Mr Biles said: "We have done three of our own branded beers which we've sold at temporary events.
"We want to be able to sell them all the time, just during the normal day or if we have an event.
"We want to sell our own branded beers normally in the shop, so people can take them away or drink them inside for band events."
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Beyond the Download has three beers, 'Hells Bells' lager 4.5 ABV, 'Beyond the Pale' pale ale 4.2 ABV and 'Beyond the Bitter End' bitter beer 4.1 ABV, all sold in 500ml bottles.
Currently, the store has conducted beer sales and live music events using temporary event licenses.
The licence would allow live events to occur on a more regular basis and the beers to be sold throughout the year.
The store has already hosted some of the biggest names in British indie rock.
Mr Biles said: "We do live performances with the band and an audience in the shop but covid has stopped us doing that. The Amazons and Circa Waves have performed here, but we also do events so local bands can showcase themselves as well.
"We get asked by the record companies to do an in store event for a major band. Gengahr is another band we've had in store too. We do it because we have a music licence."
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Beyond the Download have been able to do the live performances thanks to their store in Rose Street. They were previously based at Holme Grange Craft Village, but their previous store was not suitable for live events.
Mr Biles and his business partner Roger Koehler made the move to Rose Street in Wokingham town centre two and a half years ago, during the town's regeneration.
The shop is open from 10am to 5pm Mondays to Saturdays.
Mr Biles explained that staying open until 10pm would not be a regular occurence, but the licence would enable them to host more events when needed.
Although store's stock and trade is vinyl records and record players, it also sells used CDs and cassettes, clothes and other licenced merchandise.
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The licensing application has been made to the Public Protection Partnership, and the last date for public representations is Tuesday, August 31.
If you would like to make a representation, please email to licensing@wokingham.gov.uk or write to: Licensing Team, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1BN.
As well as the in store events, Beyond the Download also hosts live music in at Peach Place on alternating Saturdays.
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