A bid by Maramia Cafe to sell alcohol during the Notting Hill Carnival has been rejected by Kensington and Chelsea Council's Licensing Sub-Committee. The decision was made on the grounds that granting the Temporary Event Notice (TEN) would undermine the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and ensuring public safety.
The TEN sought permission for Maramia Cafe, located at 274 Portobello Road, to sell alcohol on and off the premises on Sunday, August 30, and Monday, August 31, 2026. The application proposed a maximum capacity of 20 people.
However, the Metropolitan Police objected to the notice, citing concerns about the busy and congested area during the Notting Hill Carnival. PC Mark Perry, representing the police, stated that in the previous year, despite assurances that alcohol would only be served inside and queues managed, officers observed alcohol being served to people outside the premises. This, he explained, attracted crowds and created a pinch point
that posed a risk of overcrowding.
PC Perry expressed a lack of confidence that the applicant, Mr Mohammed Zomlot, would adhere to undertakings this year, noting that the applicant had not responded to the police's concerns. He highlighted that the issues observed on the Sunday of the previous year's carnival persisted on the Monday, indicating a disregard for police requests.
During the previous year's Notting Hill Carnival, Maramia Cafe had agreed to undertakings that alcohol would only be served inside the premises, queues would be managed effectively, and the outside area would not be used. The cafe had also proposed that only three windows on the terrace would be open, and no queues would be allowed in front of the restaurant, with fast and smooth serving. However, police observed that alcohol was being served to people outside the premises, attracting crowds and creating a pinch point
that posed a risk of overcrowding. Furthermore, the police noted that the terrace was open and being used by patrons, contrary to the application's indication that it would remain closed.
Councillors Edward Whitley and Natacha Tannous Ritchie questioned PC Perry about the previous year's observations and any enforcement actions taken. PC Perry confirmed that the issues were recorded and that the applicant had been informed, yet the problems continued. The observations of issues at Maramia Cafe during the previous year's carnival were formally recorded and the applicant was informed of the issues on the Sunday. However, the same problems persisted on the Monday. PC Perry stated that it was disappointing that the applicant failed to follow through on police requests and instructions. The information does not specify any formal enforcement actions beyond the recording of observations and informing the applicant.
The Licensing Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Greg Hammond and including Councillors Whitley and Tannous Ritchie, considered potential conditions that could be attached to the TEN. However, PC Perry stated that while conditions would be useful, they would not alleviate the core concern about the applicant's adherence to agreed arrangements.
Ultimately, the committee decided to issue a counter-notice, refusing the TEN. The decision was based on the belief that allowing the event would undermine the licensing objectives. A summary decision was to follow.
Mr. Zomlot (for Maramia Cafe) had previously submitted a TEN for the previous year's Notting Hill Carnival. The police representative, PC Mark Perry, stated that last year, after consultation, the police decided not to object to the application. The provided documents do not offer further historical details about Maramia Cafe's involvement in previous Notting Hill Carnivals beyond this mention of last year.
Further details regarding the meeting can be found in the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.
