A bid to sell alcohol from a stall on Ladbroke Grove during Notting Hill Carnival has been refused by Kensington and Chelsea Council's Licensing Sub-Committee.

The decision was made after the Metropolitan Police objected to a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) submitted by Mr. Miles Chambers for the forecourt of 119 Ladbroke Grove. The TEN sought permission to sell alcohol off the premises on Sunday, August 30 and Monday, August 31, 2026.

A large crowd of people gathered at a carnival event.
A large crowd of people gathered at a carnival event.

PC Kaldinas, representing the Metropolitan Police, raised concerns about potential overcrowding and congestion on Ladbroke Grove, a busy part of the carnival footprint directly on the carnival route. The police highlighted that the proposed location for alcohol sales, at the junction of Ladbroke Grove and Cornwall Crescent, could create a pinch point and impede pedestrian flow, particularly during the carnival parade. The meeting documents highlight that Ladbroke Grove can become very congested, particularly when the Parade is going past, which consists of multiple articulated lorries driving in the road. The police expressed concern that the proposed alcohol sales would generate crowds that will block the pavement and road increasing the risk of creating a pinch point, overcrowding, and crushing as people try to get past or queue to purchase alcohol.

A crowded street scene in Notting Hill, likely during a carnival event, with buildings lining the street and a large gathering of people.
A crowded street scene in Notting Hill, likely during a carnival event, with buildings lining the street and a large gathering of people.

Mr. Chambers' event management plan proposed several measures to mitigate concerns about overcrowding and congestion. These included directing alcohol sales to the Cornwall Crescent side of the premises to avoid the main pedestrian flow, encouraging customers to queue on the Cornwall Crescent side, and having staff actively direct customers away from the Ladbroke Grove frontage. A raised perimeter ledge around the garden was also proposed to allow customers to stand clear of the pavement while being served. Staff would continuously monitor customer movement to intervene if unnecessary gatherings occurred, and customers would be served efficiently to ensure they move on quickly after purchase. Mr. Chambers also outlined responsible alcohol retailing practices such as a Challenge 25 policy and refusal of sales to intoxicated persons. Furthermore, only canned beer would be sold, with no glass bottles or glass drinking vessels, and customers would be encouraged to disperse immediately after purchase and dispose of empty cans responsibly using provided waste facilities.

Mr. Chambers has traded successfully from this location for approximately fifteen years and has over twenty-five years of experience as a family business at Carnival. PC Kaldinas noted that the applicant had applied the previous year and was in a similar position, suggesting a history of seeking to sell alcohol at this location during Carnival.

Map indicating the proposed location for a Temporary Event Notice and the route of a parade.
Map indicating the proposed location for a Temporary Event Notice and the route of a parade.

After considering the submissions, the Licensing Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Greg Hammond, decided to issue a counter notice, refusing the TEN. The committee concluded that granting the notice would undermine the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and ensuring public safety.

A full written decision with reasons will follow. This will trigger the start of the appeal period, though specific details of the appeal process were not provided in the meeting information.

A Google Maps screenshot showing the location of 119 Ladbroke Grove, London W11 1PG, the site of a Temporary Event Notice application.
A Google Maps screenshot showing the location of 119 Ladbroke Grove, London W11 1PG, the site of a Temporary Event Notice application.

Public reports pack 26th Aug 2026 14:00 Licensing Sub-Committee Agenda frontsheet 26th Aug 2026 14:00 Licensing Sub-Committee