A bid to sell alcohol from the forecourt of 5-7 Oxford Gardens during Notting Hill Carnival has been refused by Kensington and Chelsea's Licensing Sub-Committee. The decision was made after objections were raised by the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Noise and Nuisance Team, who cited concerns over public safety and the potential for crime and disorder.
The Temporary Event Notice (TEN) sought permission for the retail sale of alcohol on Sunday, August 30, 2026, between 12 midday and 7pm, with a maximum capacity of 20 people. However, the committee was told that the proposed location is in a highly congested area, situated between two sound systems, Virgo International and High-Grade Sound System, during the carnival.
PC Jack Reason of the Metropolitan Police warned that allowing alcohol sales in this already crowded environment would create a magnet
for those seeking drinks, leading to a dangerous crush and potential for serious injuries. A queue of 15, 20 people pushing against a residential gate or a door will lead to a crush, especially if someone falls over,
he stated.
Philip Richardson from the Noise and Nuisance Team echoed these concerns, adding that the TEN was likely to exacerbate existing congestion on Portobello Road and negatively affect crowd flow. He noted that the applicant's risk assessment and event management plan did not sufficiently address the unique risks associated with Carnival.
The committee considered the objections and the potential impact on the licensing objectives. The Metropolitan Police and the Council's Noise and Nuisance Team specifically cited the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety
as grounds for their objections. Furthermore, the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy outlines the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.
[1]
The committee also noted that the applicant, Miss Isabella Spencer, was not present at the hearing. The Licensing Officer, Laura Burns, confirmed that Miss Spencer had been contacted for clarification regarding the dates on the TEN but no response was received. The Sub-Committee proceeded with the hearing in her absence, as they have the discretion to do so when an applicant fails to attend or provide requested information.
In their decision, the Sub-Committee considered the objections and the potential impact on the licensing objectives. The council's Statement of Licensing Policy strongly advises early submission of TENs for carnival events to allow for thorough assessment and liaison with authorities, highlighting the risks associated with increased congestion and potential for disorder.
The decision to issue a counter notice means the TEN has been refused, preventing the sale of alcohol at the Oxford Gardens location during the carnival.
[1] See Public reports pack 25th-Aug-2026 15.30 Licensing Sub-Committee (https://rbkc.moderngov.co.uk/Committees/documents/g4626/Public%20reports%20pack%2025th-Aug-2026%2015.30%20Licensing%20Sub-Committee.pdf?T=10).
