A licensing hearing for a sound system and bar proposed for Notting Hill Carnival has been adjourned to allow for the submission of outstanding documentation. The Love TKO
sound system and bar is seeking a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August 2026, with licensable activities planned from 12:00 to 19:00 each day.
The Kensington and Chelsea Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, to consider the TEN for the venue, planned for the amenity area adjacent to Hazelwood Tower, Golborne Gardens, W10.
Objections to the TEN were raised by the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Noise and Nuisance Team, citing concerns over public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder. Both objectors highlighted a lack of detailed event management plans and risk assessments. The Metropolitan Police expressed concern that the submitted risk assessment and event management plan (EMP) lacked detail on how the event would be limited to 499 people, how incidents would be managed, and how access and egress would be controlled. The proposed capacity for the Love TKO
site is 499 people. Mr Glen Falconer, the applicant and premises user, argued that the site is small and naturally limited in capacity due to its triangular shape and surrounding roads, making it impossible to hold 499 people. He also mentioned that the presence of trees and the site's design to stop noise further limit its capacity.
Mr Philip Richardson, from the Council's Noise and Nuisance Team, echoed these concerns, stating that the submitted documentation was insufficient, lacking a suitable risk assessment and EMP, making it impossible to determine if the event could be operated safely. Specifically, Mr. Richardson noted that the risk assessment was not fully visible or accessible on the Notting Hill Carnival Portal, preventing him from physically assessing the risks. The typical process for events within Notting Hill Carnival involves engaging with NHCL's planning and safety processes, including having risk assessments and event management plans scrutinized and approved by NHCL's management team or their independent third-party Health and Safety contractors. The Metropolitan Police and Noise and Nuisance Team objected to the 'Love TKO' application because Mr. Falconer had not engaged with this established process and had not obtained prior approval from NHCL.
Mr Falconer, who has over 30 years of experience with Notting Hill Carnival, argued that his site is naturally limited in capacity and that he employs stewards and uses his sound system to manage crowds on his specific area. He also noted that Notting Hill Carnival Limited (NHCL) is implementing new safety measures for the 2026 event, including a single point of contact for sound systems, a qualified crowd manager, and enhanced communication protocols.
PC Mark Perry, representing the Metropolitan Police, expressed concern that Mr Falconer had not fully engaged with NHCL's planning and safety processes. He stated that the submitted risk assessment and event management plan lacked detail on crowd control, incident management, and access/egress.
Following presentations and questions, the committee agreed to adjourn the hearing for a minimum of two weeks. This will allow Mr Falconer and NHCL to update the event management plan and risk assessment. Both the police and the Noise and Nuisance Team indicated a willingness to withdraw their objections once the revised documentation is reviewed. The police requested that the committee issue a counter notice or that the TEN be withdrawn and resubmitted after approval by NHCL, implying that refusal is a possibility if the documentation remains insufficient.
Councillor Petit proposed the adjournment, stating it would be unfair to make a decision on incomplete information. Councillor Bellara and Councillor Areti, the Chair, concurred.
The adjourned hearing will be rescheduled by Governance Services.
