The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kensington and Chelsea Council met to consider a notice of objection from the Metropolitan Police to a temporary event notice (TEN) application. The application was made by Miss Suzanna Vaz for an event in the Maxilla Community Area during the Notting Hill Carnival. The sub-committee was scheduled to decide whether to issue a counter notice, take no action, or impose conditions.

Temporary Event Notice: Maxilla Community Area

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider a report by the Director of Highways and Regulatory Services regarding a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) application submitted by Miss Suzanna Vaz for the Maxilla Community Area, Maxilla Walk, London, W10 6NQ.

Miss Vaz's TEN application was for Sunday 24 and Monday 25 August 2025, between 12:00 and 19:00 on both days, to provide regulated entertainment and the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises during Notting Hill Carnival 2025. The application stated that the maximum number of people to be permitted at any one time would be 499.

According to the report pack, PC Donna Willcox objected to the TEN on behalf of the Metropolitan Police, citing concerns regarding crime and disorder and public nuisance. PC Willcox stated that the location of the event, under the Westway flyover, is a busy area for access and egress to the Carnival. The police believed that the event would extend the Carnival area, potentially impacting the overall Carnival footprint.

PC Willcox believes, based on previous years, that thousands of people will be in this area during peak times. There is concern that the TEN will generate crowds that may block the road and pavement, increasing the risk of creating a pinch point as people try to move.

PC Willcox raised concerns that Miss Vaz had not adequately considered the risks associated with overcrowding, which could lead to higher crime rates, including pickpocketing, theft, and sexual assaults, as well as increased tensions and potential for large-scale disorder. PC Willcox stated that clauses 25.4 and 25.5. 25.6 and 25.11 of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's Licensing Policy had not been complied with.

The report noted that the sub-committee had the following options:

• Issue a counter notice, preventing the event from taking place.
• Take no action, allowing the event to proceed as planned.
• Impose conditions from an existing premises licence or club premises certificate on the TEN, if applicable.

The report included several appendices to provide context for the sub-committee's decision:

• Appendix A: A copy of the Temporary Event Notice and Event Management Plan.
• Appendix B: A copy of the police objection.
• Appendix C: Extracts from the council's Statement of Licensing Policy, including sections on temporary event notices and the Notting Hill Carnival.
• Appendix D: A map of the area.
• Appendix E: A list of licensed premises in the vicinity.
• Appendix F: A map of the 2024 Carnival footprint.
• Appendix G: A list of temporary event notices received for the 2025 Carnival.