A bid to sell alcohol from a residential property on Ladbroke Grove during the Notting Hill Carnival has been rejected by Kensington and Chelsea Council's Licensing Sub-Committee.
The committee decided to issue a counter notice, refusing the Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for Flat B, 236 Ladbroke Grove. The decision was made on the grounds that allowing the event would undermine the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and ensuring public safety. The council is responsible for upholding four licensing objectives, each of equal importance: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.
The TEN, submitted by Miss Omotomike Onanuga-Yoosuf, sought permission to sell alcohol both on and off the premises on Saturday, August 30, and Monday, August 31, 2026, between 12 noon and 7 p.m. each day, with a maximum capacity of six people.
The Metropolitan Police lodged an objection to the TEN, citing concerns about the property's location on the main parade route for Notting Hill Carnival. PC Mark Perry, representing the police, argued that the area would be highly congested, attracting hundreds of thousands of people.
PC Perry stated that any alcohol sales from the premises, particularly from the steps or doorway, would create a choke point
and increase the risk of crushing incidents and overcrowding. He highlighted the lack of a risk assessment or event management plan from the applicant, adding, The applicant has provided no risk assessment or event management plan or even a plan, as per my knowledge.
Typical TEN applications require details of the premises user, the premises, licensable activities, hours, and maximum occupancy. The absence of a risk assessment and event management plan were key factors in the rejection.
Concerns were also raised about people falling down the steps and the potential for disorder in such a crowded environment, especially with stretched police resources. Councillor Natacha Tannous Ritchie questioned whether a detailed risk assessment could have mitigated the police's concerns. PC Perry responded that due to the sheer number of people and the location on the parade route, he did not believe any measures the applicant could take would make the event safe. Councillor Ned Whitley also expressed concerns about people congregating on the steps and the lack of plans for managing access to the property.
Following deliberation, the committee concluded that allowing the TEN would undermine the licensing objectives. The full decision and reasons will be provided in writing. It is important to note that any unauthorised street trading during the Carnival constitutes a criminal offence, undermining the Prevention of Crime and Disorder licensing objective. Furthermore, if the number of people present on any premises exceeds 499 while licensable activities are being carried on under a TEN, the activities would be unlawful and the premises user would be liable to prosecution.
The meeting was chaired by Councillor Greg Hammond, with Councillors Natacha Tannous Ritchie and Ned Whitley serving as decision-makers. Lindsay Le Missouria acted as legal advisor, and Fiona Johnson was the licensing officer. PC Mark Perry represented the Metropolitan Police. The applicant, Miss Omotomike Onanuga-Yoosuf, was not present at the hearing.
Further details of the Temporary Event Notice and the police objection can be found in the Public reports pack.
