The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's Licensing Sub-Committee has approved alcohol sales for the Butter Bakery, but with specific conditions attached. The decision came after an objection from the Metropolitan Police regarding public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder during the Notting Hill Carnival.

The Butter Bakery, located at 219 Westbourne Park Road, had submitted a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) to sell alcohol off the premises on August 30 and 31, 2026. The police raised concerns that selling alcohol from a hatch onto the street would increase the risk of overcrowding and potential injuries, especially given the proximity to two sound systems, the Disya Generation Sound System and the Metro Glory Sound Systems.

A large crowd gathers on a street, with buildings and trees in the background, suggesting a public event or gathering.
A large crowd gathers on a street, with buildings and trees in the background, suggesting a public event or gathering.

PC Mark Perry, representing the Metropolitan Police, argued that allowing customers to purchase alcohol inside the café would better manage queues and crowd control, thereby mitigating the risks. The police also noted that the applicant's risk assessment lacked sufficient detail on queue management and crime prevention, stating that The Risk Assessment does not provide sufficient information on how queues will be managed or the steps which will be taken to mitigate crime and disorder in the area. Mr Esfestani has not confirmed that security will be present. The police objection also highlighted previous concerns during carnival, noting that Unfortunately, over the last few years we have seen significant levels of crime and disorder within the carnival footprint. They added that Last year there were 100 TEN's selling alcohol, in effect creating 100 bars that fed into the carnival as a whole, increasing the risk of crime and disorder and putting public safety at risk.

Mr. Mansour Naghdi Esfestani, the applicant, stated that customers would be permitted to enter the premises to buy alcohol, which he believed would help control numbers and manage queues. This differs from the usual operating model where alcohol is sold for consumption on and off the premises from within the building. The premises currently hold a licence for this, but the TEN specifically proposed off-sales from a hatch. The applicant detailed that customers would be able to enter the premises to purchase alcohol, which would help restrict numbers and manage queues. Furthermore, the Event Management Plan outlines specific measures: We have two customer access points, and each access point is staffed by 3 members. Each customer access point has a capacity to have two queues so up to 4 lines on both sides of the shop. The queuing system will be observed by all staff on both access points and one staff member will be outside regularly to assist with the queuing and ensure entrances are not blocked. The plan also includes provisions for Continues cooperation with the police officers in Provide instructions to staff on how to manage rude Supervisor must constantly watch the activities and mises and control mers mic Provision of free water with alcohol to keep mergencies and secure the doors All staff are trained on Licensing Act 2003 Provide instruction on how to close the Cafe No drinks to be supplied in glass or cera mber of staff serving custo ments on alcoholic drinks mits on sale of alcohol mote the 4 licensing objectives mers and visitors hydrated unauthorized access to the pre containers or vessels mers access and egress and violent custo including age li Controls over nu No advertise mptly instantly in e the area. act pro to pro custo .

The Butter Bakery Bar & Cafe, the location of a Temporary Event Notice considered by the Licensing Sub-Committee.
The Butter Bakery Bar & Cafe, the location of a Temporary Event Notice considered by the Licensing Sub-Committee.

The Temporary Event Notice states that the maximum number of people allowed at the premises at any one time is 20. The applicant reiterated that customers will be able to enter into the premises. This will also enable us to restrict the number of people attending the premises at any one time.

The Licensing Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Greg Hammond and including Councillors Heena Bellara and Ned Whitley, reviewed the objection and the applicant's submissions. Ultimately, the committee decided to impose conditions on the TEN rather than refuse it outright. These conditions are designed to promote the licensing objectives, particularly public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder. The specific conditions have not been detailed but were communicated to the applicant.

A map showing the location of Butter Bakery and surrounding streets, with icons indicating music venues and pubs, and a yellow arrow pointing towards the area.
A map showing the location of Butter Bakery and surrounding streets, with icons indicating music venues and pubs, and a yellow arrow pointing towards the area.

Floor plan of the Butter Bakery showing seating areas, baking area, bar, and toilet facilities.
Floor plan of the Butter Bakery showing seating areas, baking area, bar, and toilet facilities.