The Licensing Sub-Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 21 February 2024 to consider an application for a premises licence for Percolate Entertainment LTD at Barking Park. The committee resolved to grant the premises licence with agreed conditions.

Application for a Premises Licence: Percolate Entertainment LTD, Barking Park

The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a premises licence to Percolate Entertainment LTD for events to be held at Barking Park between 1 May and 30 September. The licence permits activities such as the provision of films, live and recorded music, performances of dance, and the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises. The events are planned for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with specific operating hours for each activity.

The application was initially met with one representation from a local resident, Louise Chappell, who raised concerns under the licensing objectives of the Prevention of Crime and Disorder, Public Safety, and Prevention of Public Nuisance. Ms. Chappell's objections focused on the potential environmental impact on the park's wildlife and trees, the effect on public access to the park, and the possibility of disorder and nuisance arising from alcohol sales and large crowds. The objector was invited to address the Sub-Committee but did not attend.

However, following extensive consultation between the applicant, Percolate Entertainment LTD, and three responsible authorities – the Metropolitan Police, the Licensing Authority, and the Council's Environmental Protection Team – a number of additional conditions were agreed upon and incorporated into the licence. These conditions, detailed in Appendices G and H of the reports pack, addressed concerns regarding noise management, CCTV, security, alcohol sales, and public safety. As a result of these agreements, the responsible authorities raised no objections to the application.

The applicant, represented by Matthew Phipps of TLT LLP, highlighted their experience in organising large-scale events and detailed the extensive pre-application community engagement undertaken, including two consultation meetings and a flyer distribution to approximately 5,000 local premises. The applicant also presented their Event Safety Management Plan, which outlined comprehensive measures for managing the event, including noise control, crowd management, and emergency procedures.

The Sub-Committee considered all representations, both written and oral, along with relevant statutory guidance and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy. They resolved to grant the premises licence, attaching the conditions agreed upon by the applicant and the responsible authorities. The applicant will receive a Decision Notice within five working days and has 21 days from receipt to appeal the decision to the Magistrates Court.