Police Object to Ladbroke Grove Carnival Alcohol Sales

The Metropolitan Police have objected to a temporary event notice (TEN) for the sale of alcohol at a premises on Ladbroke Grove during the Notting Hill Carnival¹. The Kensington and Chelsea Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to convene a hearing to consider the objection on Tuesday, 15 July 2025.

The Carnival 'footprint' stretches from Harrow Road in the north, down to the Great West Road and Chepstow Road in the east, to Notting Hill Gate in the south and then Ladbroke Grove in the west. Flat B, 237 Ladbroke Grove is located on Ladbroke Grove, and therefore falls within the Carnival area.

The TEN was submitted by Mr Adam Ettienne for Flat B, 237 Ladbroke Grove, seeking authorisation to sell alcohol on and off the premises during the Carnival on Sunday 24 and Monday 25 August 2025. The proposal includes a platform directly outside the property for alcohol sales, with a maximum of 300 people at any one time.

PC Tom Stewart of the Metropolitan Police raised concerns about crime, disorder, and public safety. He noted that the proposed alcohol sales were not aligned with the official planning of the Notting Hill Carnival and that the location is directly on the parade route, which already experiences high crowd density.

PC Stewart highlights that the proposed alcohol sales at Flat B, 237 Ladbroke Grove during Notting Hill Carnival are not aligned with the event's official planning. He raises particular concerns about the location being directly along the Carnival parade route, which already experiences high crowd density. He notes that no details were provided regarding crowd control, queue management, or how alcohol sales would be safely managed from the residential premises.

The police cite past problems related to unregulated alcohol sales and crowd congestion during Carnival, warning that unsanctioned events like this increase the risk of crime, overcrowding, and public safety hazards. The police also cited the lack of details regarding crowd control, queue management, staffing, security, and first aid. They suggested the proposal might involve unlicensed street trading, undermining crime prevention. The Metropolitan Police are aware that it is the Royal Borough of Kensington policy not to grant a street trading license where it is proposed to sell alcohol from a private address onto the public highway during Notting Hill Carnival. Any unauthorised street trading will constitute a criminal offence, undermining the Prevention of Crime and Disorder licensing objective. It is also an offence to permit an unauthorised licensable activity to be carried on at any place and that a person is liable on summary conviction for any such offence to a fine of any amount, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both. The Metropolitan Police recommended refusing the TEN and issuing a counter notice.

Mr Philip Richardson, a Principal Environmental Health Officer, objected on behalf of the Noise and Nuisance Team, citing concerns over public nuisance and safety. He highlighted that the alcohol sales would occur adjacent to the main parade route, an area known for heavy congestion, potentially disrupting crowd flow and increasing public safety risks. The Noise and Nuisance Team also noted the absence of evidence of a street trading licence. Selling alcohol from a private address onto the public highway requires a street trading license under the London Local Authorities Act 1990.

Mr Ettienne responded that his plans would not disrupt crowd flow any more than someone selling flags, whistles, or food. He also stated that his next-door neighbour had been granted permission to do the same thing for the last 3 years without problems.

The sub-committee can issue a counter notice, take no action, or impose conditions on the TEN. The council's statement of licensing policy states the council aims to have a safe and enjoyable Carnival, paying particular attention to applications in the Carnival area. Applicants should demonstrate how their activity supports licensing objectives and does not adversely impact emergency services. Typical conditions that may be attached to premises licenses for the Carnival period include: no drinks in glass or ceramic containers, no external advertisements of alcohol promotions, no advertising of high-profile artists or DJs, a personal license holder must be on the premises when alcohol is sold, SIA-licensed security personnel, trained stewards, and restrictions on alcohol sales hours. These relate to the objections as they address concerns about crime and disorder, public safety, and public nuisance.

The agenda and reports pack for the meeting are available online. The meeting information outlines the hearing was scheduled for July 15, 2025, but does not provide the outcome of the hearing or the reasons for the sub-committee's decision.