Bexleyheath will see a planned evangelism event go ahead despite objections from the Metropolitan Police Service and Environmental Health Service.
The Licensing Sub-Committee convened on Friday to discuss a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) submitted by Mr Kwame Arthur on behalf of Christ Church International. The church intends to conduct evangelism, share tracts, sing, and speak to passers-by at the Bexleyheath Clock Tower, Market Place, on Saturday 5 July 2025, between 13:00 and 18:00. According to the TEN, the church plans to engage in doing evangelism, sharing of tracts, singing and speaking to passer-by...to win young men and women from the street.
However, both the Metropolitan Police Service and the Environmental Health Service raised objections to the TEN, citing concerns over public safety, crime and disorder, and potential public nuisance. Despite these concerns, the sub-committee decided not to issue a counter notice, effectively allowing the event to proceed without additional conditions.
The Metropolitan Police raised concerns that the TEN lacked details on how the organisers would manage and control a gathering of 150 people in a busy public space. They also noted the potential for a larger attendance than stipulated, which could lead to antisocial behaviour. The police highlighted that the event was planned for an area managed by the Bexleyheath Business Improvement District (BID), and that Mr Arthur did not have permission to use the space. The police stated that Mr Arthur does not have permission to use the space in this way.
They cited previous instances of religious groups causing disturbances and blocking the highway, with one incident involving someone being hit by a flag.
Environmental Health objected on the grounds of potential public nuisance, citing concerns about noise control and the impact of amplified sound on the public and nearby residents. They noted that the Bexleyheath Business Improvement Development Team had received 30 complaints about noise from a similar gathering the previous week. Environmental Health also noted that there has been no mention in the application of noise controls and how they will control the volume noise from amplification that will impact the general public within this area at this time.
The sub-committee considered the objection notices, Bexley's Statement of Licensing Policy, and the Guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, before making their decision. The public reports pack contains the full details.
PC George Beakhust, from the Broadway Town Centre Team, submitted a statement noting an increase in people expressing religious views in the area. Whilst conducting patrols of the area I have been approached by numerous members of the public who have expressed their harassment by those part of the groups conducting this behaviour listed above,
PC Beakhust said. He added that shop staff had complained about groups blocking doorways and using loud speaker systems.
The sub-committee also considered human rights issues, particularly Articles 6 and 8 of the convention, balancing the rights of the applicant to engage in business with the rights of those affected by that business. Article 6 ensures a fair hearing for applicants, while Article 8 protects the right to respect for private and family life.
Should the event cause public safety issues or public nuisance, the Metropolitan Police Service and Environmental Health Service have the right to appeal the decision not to issue a counter notice.