A bid to sell alcohol from a residential forecourt during Notting Hill Carnival has been refused by Kensington and Chelsea Council due to safety fears. The Licensing Sub-Committee decided to issue a counter notice, refusing a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for the forecourt of 12 Cambridge Gardens.

The TEN, submitted by Ms Elizabeth Aryeetey, was for the sale of alcohol on and off the premises on Sunday 30 August and Monday 31 August 2026, with a proposed capacity of 499 people.

A crowded street scene during Notting Hill Carnival, with stalls and people gathered.
A crowded street scene during Notting Hill Carnival, with stalls and people gathered.

Objections were raised by the Metropolitan Police and the Noise and Nuisance Team. The police cited concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety, arguing that alcohol sales from unlicensed premises during Carnival could negatively impact crowd dynamics, potentially leading to increased crime and disorder. The Metropolitan Police stated that allowing alcohol sales from unlicensed premises during Carnival could negatively impact crowd dynamics and safety, potentially leading to increased crime such as pickpocketing, theft, and sexual assaults, as well as crowd tensions and disorder. They also raised concerns about insufficient information regarding how patrons would be served and the potential for increased congestion.

The Noise and Nuisance Team echoed these concerns, highlighting the risk to public safety due to the proposed location's proximity to the congested Portobello Green. They argued that the TEN would likely exacerbate existing congestion by creating an obstruction on the public highway due to queuing customers, adversely impacting crowd movement and safety.

Ms Aryeetey stated that she had worked with police during previous events without issue and that her historical customer numbers were significantly lower than the proposed capacity. She had submitted a risk assessment and event management plan detailing measures such as serving drinks in plastic or biodegradable cups, maintaining clear resident and emergency access, and managing queues. Specifically, the plan stated:

  • Container Restrictions: No alcohol or drinks will be served in glass or ceramic containers. All beverages will be dispensed in plastic or biodegradable cups/containers to eliminate broken glass hazards.
  • Waste Management: Adequate bins will be provided at the premises to manage waste and maintain clear thoroughfares.
  • Resident Access: Clear and unobstructed access will be maintained at all times to ensure local residents can enter and exit their properties freely.
  • Emergency Access: The layout and crowd movement around the premises will be continuously monitored to ensure there is zero obstruction to emergency service vehicles or foot patrols.
  • Crowd Control: Staff will monitor queues and passing trade to prevent overcrowding directly outside the premises.
  • No Music/Entertainment: No live/recorded music or promotions operated to prevent crowds from loitering or gathering.
  • Passing Trade Focus: Low-volume turnover (5–7 customers average; 14 peak).
  • Underage Sales & Irresponsible Drinking: Challenge 25 Policy: Strict Think 25enforcement supported by professional background in age assessments. Refusal of service to anyone under 25 without valid ID, intoxicated persons, or anyone under 18 entering the bar area. No happy hours, drink promotions, or marketing encouraging rapid consumption.

A map showing the location of 12 Cambridge Gardens, London, W10 5UB, with a red arrow pointing to the specific address.
A map showing the location of 12 Cambridge Gardens, London, W10 5UB, with a red arrow pointing to the specific address.

However, the committee sided with the objectors, determining that the refusal was necessary for the promotion of public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder, particularly given the high footfall and potential for congestion during Notting Hill Carnival. The council's licensing policy also emphasizes the importance of demonstrating how proposed activities will support licensing objectives and not adversely impact emergency services.

The council's decision to refuse this TEN, based on concerns for public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder, particularly in the context of high footfall and potential congestion during Notting Hill Carnival, sets a precedent. It indicates that the council will prioritize these licensing objectives when considering similar applications. The refusal suggests that applications for alcohol sales from residential forecourts during major public events, especially if they raise concerns about crowd management, congestion, and potential for disorder, may face similar objections and refusals if not adequately addressed.

Layout plan for a temporary bar/stall during Notting Hill Carnival, showing the forecourt area, serving bar, drinks freezer, and surrounding gardens.
Layout plan for a temporary bar/stall during Notting Hill Carnival, showing the forecourt area, serving bar, drinks freezer, and surrounding gardens.

The provided meeting information does not mention any alternative locations or arrangements proposed by Ms. Aryeetey that might have satisfied the council's safety concerns. The focus was on her proposed location at 12 Cambridge Gardens and the measures she had put in place.

Further details on the meeting agenda and public reports can be found in the Agenda frontsheet and Public reports pack.