A Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for the sale of alcohol at 152 Ladbroke Grove has been reviewed by Kensington and Chelsea Council's Licensing Sub-Committee due to objections from the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Environmental Health Team. The TEN, submitted by Mr Taiwo Giwa, sought permission to sell alcohol on and off the premises for the Notting Hill Carnival weekend, specifically on Sunday, August 30, and Monday, August 31, 2026, between 12 midday and 7 pm, with a proposed capacity of 25 people.
The initial application was deemed insufficient due to objections from the Metropolitan Police and the Environmental Health Department. The police objected on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder and protecting public safety. PC Mark Perry highlighted concerns that the premises' location on a busy section of the carnival route, close to a sound system, could exacerbate congestion, create dangerous pinch points, and increase the risk of overcrowding and crushing, potentially hindering emergency services. The police also noted that the applicant had not participated in the official carnival planning process.
Kieran McKenna from the Environmental Health Department echoed these concerns, objecting on public safety grounds. He stated that the TEN's proximity to the parade route was likely to worsen congestion and negatively impact crowd flow, further noting the absence of a risk assessment or event management plan. Typical requirements for a TEN application during Notting Hill Carnival include demonstrating how the proposed activity would support licensing objectives, detailing crowd control measures, stewarding, security arrangements, and providing draft risk assessments and event management plans. Mr. Giwa's initial application lacked these detailed plans and engagement with carnival organizers.
During the hearing, Mr. Giwa proposed several modifications to his application to address the concerns. These included reducing the capacity to 10 people, ceasing alcohol sales at 6 pm, and prohibiting public seating, music, or DJing. He also committed to ensuring sales only occurred within the property boundary, with no external queuing, and that two staff members with SIA badges would manage access and crowd control. Mr. Giwa stated that sales would be limited to sealed pre-mixed alcoholic drinks, and that a 'Challenge 25' policy would be enforced.
The defined 'property boundaries' for the premises at 152 Ladbroke Grove are described as the forecourt of Flat A
and the private front garden/forecourt area of the property. No part of the public highway, pavement, road or carriageway will be used for sales, service, queueing, tables, chairs, signage or storage.
Mr. Giwa stated, Any sales will be done within the boundary, so nothing will be spilling over the gate, no sales over the gate, no sales over the railing or boundary, no sales in any public highway.
He also mentioned, There will also be no external queue, and everything will be controlled on a one-in-one, one-out basis with a steward at the gate to ensure safety.
The plan further clarifies, Sales to members of the public are made in sealed containers for consumption OFF the premises. The public are served at the table by the gate and do not enter the rear of the area.
and There will be no sales, drinking, queuing, service, tables, chairs, signage or storage outside the gate at any time. A steward will control the gate throughout and keep the pavement free from obstruction.
The 'Challenge 25' policy is a measure to prevent underage sales. It requires staff to ask for proof of age from anyone who appears to be under 25. Mr. Giwa stated, There will also be a Challenge 25 will be operated.
The plan notes for the premises also state, Challenge 25 is operated; no sales to any person under 18 or to any person who is drunk.
The committee considered these proposed modifications alongside the objections. The meeting information indicates that the Licensing Sub-Committee must consider these proposed modifications alongside the objections raised by the police and environmental health, which highlighted concerns about public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder, particularly in the context of the Notting Hill Carnival environment.
The general principle is to promote the licensing objectives
which are: 1) The prevention of crime and disorder, 2) Public safety, 3) The prevention of public nuisance, and 4) The protection of children from harm. The committee's decision-making process involves weighing the objections against the applicant's proposed modifications to determine if the modifications sufficiently address the concerns and promote these objectives.
The decision on whether to grant the TEN, with or without conditions, or to issue a counter notice, was to be made by the Licensing Sub-Committee. Further details on the committee's agenda can be found in the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.
