The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) Licensing Sub-Committee convened to discuss a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) application by Lauren Masroh-Campbell for the forecourt of Flat A, 19 Colville Square, London W11 2BQ, during the Notting Hill Carnival. The committee ultimately decided to issue a counter notice, effectively denying the application, citing concerns over public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder.

Temporary Event Notice: 19 Colville Square

The sub-committee considered a TEN application from Lauren Masroh-Campbell for a temporary license to sell alcohol at 19 Colville Square during the Notting Hill Carnival on Sunday 24 August and Monday 25 August 2025, between midday and 7pm each day. The application requested permission for the retail sale of alcohol, both on and off the premises.

Objections

The application received objections from both the Metropolitan Police and the Environmental Health Noise and Nuisance team. PC Mark Perry from the Metropolitan Police, cited concerns regarding the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety. Mr Philip Richardson from the Environmental Health Noise and Nuisance team, raised objections based on the prevention of public nuisance and public safety.

PC Mark Perry stated that granting the TEN would undermine the licensing objectives, arguing that allowing alcohol sales from private residences without proper licenses could negatively impact crowd dynamics and safety. He highlighted the narrow staircase leading to the basement flat as a potential hazard, especially with intoxicated patrons queuing. PC Mark Perry also raised concerns about potential street trading without a license, which is against RBKC policy during the Notting Hill Carnival.

Mr Philip Richardson echoed concerns about public safety, citing the location's potential to exacerbate congestion and negatively affect crowd flow. He noted the absence of a detailed risk assessment or event management plan addressing emergency procedures. Mr Philip Richardson also questioned the plan's specificity regarding the location of licensable activities and its impact on public safety.

Applicant's Submission

Ms Masroh-Campbell presented a risk assessment and a plan of the area, outlining measures for crowd safety management, including limiting the number of people in the forecourt to eight at a time and ensuring clear access routes. She stated that IDs would be checked to prevent underage drinking, and alcohol sales would be limited to two drinks per person. Portable toilets with hand-washing facilities would be provided and regularly cleaned. Neighbours would be notified, and contact numbers provided to address noise concerns.

Ms Masroh-Campbell explained that the on and off the property request was to cover instances where people might consume drinks while queuing for the toilets. She emphasised that the primary intention was for customers to purchase and leave. She also stated that she had run similar events for the last two years without issues.

Questions and Discussion

Councillors questioned Ms Masroh-Campbell about safety measures, particularly concerning the narrow steps and crowd management. Ms Masroh-Campbell reassured the committee that no one queues on the stairs, with a one in, one out system in place, and that she had a good relationship with the police who had helped manage crowds in previous years.

Councillor Lorne asked about the discrepancy between the application stating a limit of 30 people and the risk assessment mentioning eight. Ms Masroh-Campbell clarified that the 30 included those queuing on the street, while the eight referred to the number allowed in the forecourt at any given time.

The legal officer sought clarification on the total number of staff managing the event, which Ms Masroh-Campbell confirmed to be five.

Mr Philip Richardson questioned whether drinks would be decanted from glass bottles to prevent potential hazards from broken glass on the pavement. Ms Masroh-Campbell said that she would consider using paper cups for decanting.

Police Concerns

Mr James Rankin, representing the police, expressed concerns about the cumulative impact of temporary event notices during the carnival, stating that the police cannot account for the number or location of TENs in their planning. He referenced the previous year's crime statistics, including murders, drug offenses, and sexual assaults, as reasons for heightened concern.

Mr James Rankin argued that granting a license to Ms Masroh-Campbell would not prevent crime and disorder, citing the location's proximity to the carnival route and the potential for bottlenecks. He referenced paragraphs 25.4, 25.5, 25.6 and 25.10 of the council's licensing policy, which address applications that could cause bottlenecks.

PC Mark Perry added that the only other bar operating in the area was for the Rampage Sound System, and that the location was primarily residential. He distinguished between providing toilets, a public necessity, and selling alcohol, which could attract more people and lead to confrontations. PC Mark Perry expressed concern that the volunteers were not trained to handle potentially violent incidents and that there was no guarantee of police presence to assist.

Environmental Health Concerns

Mr Philip Richardson reiterated concerns about public safety, questioning the adequacy of space for eight people and five staff members in the basement area. He raised concerns about sanitation, what would happen if the toilets were full or overflowed, and emergency evacuation procedures. Mr Philip Richardson stated that the applicant should not rely on the police for safety, as it was her responsibility.

Committee Decision

After a private session, the committee reconvened and announced its decision to issue a counter notice under section 105 of the Licensing Act 2003, effectively denying the application. The committee cited concerns about public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder, taking into account the individual circumstances of the case.