The Pig & Whistle pub in Notting Dale has been refused a license for its planned Notting Hill Carnival event due to concerns about noise and public nuisance. Kensington and Chelsea's Licensing Sub-Committee made the decision on Thursday, effectively preventing the pub from hosting live music and selling alcohol in its beer garden during the Carnival weekend.
The decision follows objections from the Environmental Health Noise and Nuisance Team, citing a history of noise complaints related to the pub. According to meeting minutes from the Kensington and Chelsea Licensing Sub-Committee meeting, Philip Richardson from the Environmental Health Noise and Nuisance Team, referenced an abatement notice served in February 2024 and multiple fixed penalty notices issued for breaches. He stated that the department lacked confidence in the management's ability to operate without causing a nuisance.
Miss Anne Mayher, the applicant, expressed her frustration, arguing that the entire area is noisy during the carnival. She stated that she would comply with all regulations, including having doormen. She also referenced a recent noise complaint, explaining that the pub had turned down the music upon request. During the meeting, Miss Mayher said she was a bit upset about it because the whole area has noise that day from on the middle of the road to the side streets to everywhere.
Despite Miss Mayher's assurances and the installation of a noise limiter, the committee sided with the Environmental Health Noise and Nuisance Team. The council's legal officer clarified that the committee had to consider whether the event would undermine the licensing objectives, including public nuisance and safety. Ultimately, the committee determined that the event could not proceed without undermining the prevention of public nuisance licensing objectives.