The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an objection to a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for the sale of alcohol at a basement flat during Notting Hill Carnival. The objection was raised by the Metropolitan Police and the Noise and Nuisance Team, citing concerns about public safety and the prevention of public nuisance.

Objection to Temporary Event Notice at 30 Cambridge Gardens

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an objection to a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) submitted by Mr Marlon Bryan for the sale of alcohol by retail, off the premises, from the front porch area of Basement Flat, 30 Cambridge Gardens, London, W10 5UD. The event was planned for Sunday, 24 August, and Monday, 25 August 2025, with a maximum capacity of 100 people.

The objection was lodged by PC Donna Willcox of the Metropolitan Police on the grounds of Public Safety and Crime and Disorder. PC Willcox highlighted concerns that the proposed location, near Portobello Road and Ladbroke Grove, could lead to significant crowds, potentially blocking pavements and creating dangerous pinch points. The police also expressed worries that overcrowding could increase the risk of crimes such as pickpocketing, theft, and sexual assaults, and could impede emergency services. PC Willcox drew attention to clauses 25.5, 25.6, and 25.11 of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's Licensing Policy, which outline the applicant's responsibilities in supporting licensing objectives. The police concluded that granting the TEN would increase the risk of injury, crime, and disorder.

Mr Philip Richardson, representing the Environmental Health Noise and Nuisance Team, also objected on the grounds of the Prevention of Public Nuisance and Public Safety. Mr Richardson noted the location's proximity to organised events and the parade route during Notting Hill Carnival, areas already known for heavy congestion. He stated that the TEN could exacerbate this congestion and negatively affect crowd flow. A lack of a specific plan made it difficult to determine the exact location of the licensable activities and their impact on public safety. Furthermore, there was no evidence of a street trading licence being granted for the sale of alcohol onto the public highway.

The report pack included the Temporary Event Notice itself, an Event Management Plan, and the objections from the police and the Noise and Nuisance Team. It also referenced extracts from the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, specifically concerning Temporary Event Notices and policies related to Notting Hill Carnival. A map of the area and a list of licensed premises in the vicinity were also provided.

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider these objections and decide whether to issue a counter notice, take no action, or impose conditions on the TEN, in line with the powers granted under the Licensing Act 2003. The report indicated that the Sub-Committee would have regard to the objection notices and take steps considered necessary for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

The attendees for this meeting were Cllr Janet Evans (Chair, Licensing Committee), Cllr David Lindsay (Chair, Pension Board), and Cllr Dori Schmetterling.