The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee of Brent Council met on Wednesday 29 July 2026. The primary item on the agenda was an application for a new premises licence for Gladstone Park, Parkside, to host a Burmese Cultural Event.

Application for a New Premises Licence at Gladstone Park

The meeting was scheduled to discuss an application for a new premises licence for Gladstone Park, Parkside, submitted by Mr Raju Neupane. The application was for a Burmese Cultural Event, proposed to take place on Sunday 2 August 2026. The event was intended to feature regulated entertainment and the sale of alcohol, with proposed operating hours from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, catering for up to 2,000 people.

The report pack indicated that representations had been received from various parties, including the Police, Licensing Officers, a Ward Councillor, and local residents. These representations raised concerns related to the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Several residents and Councillor Mary Mitchell submitted objections. Key concerns included the potential for increased anti-social behaviour and crime due to alcohol sales in an area already experiencing such issues. Residents also expressed worries about public nuisance from amplified music and noise, particularly given the proximity of residential properties. Public safety concerns were raised regarding crowd management, emergency access, and the accuracy of the site plan provided with the application, which some felt did not adequately represent the surrounding residential areas. Objections also highlighted the potential impact on children's safety and their ability to enjoy the park, given the proposed alcohol sales and entertainment.

The Licensing Authority, through Licensing Enforcement Officer Rhea Vagarwal, had also made representations, requesting specific conditions to be included in the operating schedule or as conditions on the premises licence. These included requirements for attendance at Safety Advisory Group meetings, adherence to the Event Management Plan, and the use of SIA-licensed security staff. Discussions also took place regarding the method of patron identification (wristbands versus hand stamps) and the finalisation of operating hours and the specific area for licensable activities.

The applicant's agent, Mr Surendra Panchal of Personal Licence Courses UK Ltd, engaged in correspondence with the Licensing Authority, agreeing to various conditions and amendments, including a revised closing time of 9:00 pm for licensable activities and the event taking place solely on Sunday 2 August 2026. Following these agreements, the Licensing Authority indicated it would withdraw its representation.

The report pack also included details of the proposed event content, which aimed to celebrate Myanmar heritage through food, music, arts, and exhibitions, with assurances that the event would be non-political. The organiser, M2 Festival Ltd, provided an Event Management Plan and Risk Assessment outlining proposed controls for crowd safety, fire safety, alcohol risks, security, and medical provision.