The Licensing Sub-Committee C of Greenwich Council met on Wednesday 12 November 2025 to consider an application for a premises licence for the Labyrinth Festival at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich. The committee resolved to approve the recommendations for the festival's premises licence, subject to a number of conditions.

Labyrinth Festival Premises Licence Approved

The Licensing Sub-Committee C resolved to grant a premises licence for the Labyrinth Festival, to be held at the Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9NN. The licence permits the festival to operate for a maximum of 9 days per calendar year, with a reduced allowance of 8 days in 2026.

The permitted licensable activities include plays, films, live music, recorded music, performance of dance, and anything of a similar description, both indoors and outdoors. These activities are permitted from 12:00 hours to 23:00 hours, Monday to Sunday. The supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises is authorised from 12:00 hours to 22:30 hours, Monday to Sunday. The overall opening hours for the festival site are from 12:00 hours to 24:00 hours, Monday to Sunday.

A significant number of conditions have been attached to the licence to promote the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. These conditions include:

• Event Management and Safety: Prior consultation and agreement with the University of Greenwich and Trinity College for event dates, with a minimum of 42 days' notice. Exact event dates and site layouts must be agreed with the Licensing Authority and Safety Advisory Group (SAG) at least 28 days and 6 weeks in advance, respectively. A comprehensive Event Safety Management Plan (ESMP), covering areas such as risk assessments, crowd management, drug policies, and noise management, must be developed and approved by the SAG at least 4 weeks before each event.
• Capacity and Access Control: A system for counting attendees must be in place to ensure capacity is not exceeded, with real-time numbers available to authorised officers and the police. Entry to events will be by ticket only.
• Security and Counter-Terrorism: An accredited security and stewarding company must be appointed. Counter-Terrorism training will be mandatory for key event staff, and searches of attendees will be conducted by SIA Registered staff of the same sex.
• Alcohol Sales: A Challenge 25 policy will be in operation at all bars, with clear signage and staff training on acceptable forms of ID. Drinks will be sold in open cans, plastic cups, or PET containers, with restrictions on glass containers except in specific areas.
• Noise Management: A detailed Noise Management Plan must be approved by the Royal Borough of Greenwich Environmental Health, Community Protection Team. Sound checks will be conducted to ensure compliance with noise levels set at 65dB LAeq 15 mins, with a qualified Sound Control Manager authorised to manage music volume. Event organisers must provide access to the event for the Council's Community Protection Team and conduct a letter drop to nearby noise-sensitive properties, detailing the event and the complaints process. Post-event reporting of noise readings and complaints will be required.
• Child Welfare: Events will be categorised as either 18+ or Family Friendly. For 18+ events, no one under 18 will be permitted entry, and a 'No ID, No Entry' policy will be enforced. For Family Friendly Events, children must be accompanied by an adult over 21, with a maximum of four children per adult. Wristbands will be provided for children to record contact numbers, and a dedicated Lost Child Point will be staffed.
• Waste Management and Traffic: A contract with a reputable Waste Management Company is required for site management and post-event clean-up. A Traffic Management Plan will be developed in consultation with the Highways Authority and Transport for London.

The decision was made after considering representations from residents and the East Greenwich Residents Association, who raised concerns primarily related to public nuisance, noise, crowd dispersal, and littering from the 2025 event. The applicant, Labyrinth Festivals Limited, agreed to numerous conditions to mitigate these concerns. The committee noted that the existing premises licence for 6 festival days would be surrendered if the new application for 9 days was granted. The decision was reached with due regard to the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, the Licensing Act 2003, and relevant guidance.