The Licensing Sub-Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council resolved to grant a premises licence to Percolate Entertainment Limited for events at Barking Park. The decision was made after considering an application for music events to be held over two weekends between May and September each year, with provisions for films, live and recorded music, dance, and the supply of alcohol.

Application for Premises Licence: Percolate Entertainment Limited at Barking Park

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Barking Park, Longbridge Road, Barking, IG11 8TA, submitted by Percolate Entertainment Limited. The application sought permission to host music events over two weekends, for three consecutive days each, between May 1 and September 30 annually. The proposed licensable activities included the provision of films, live music, recorded music, and performances of dance on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 10:30 pm, and Sundays from 10 am to 10 pm. The supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises was requested for Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 10:15 pm, and Sundays from 10 am to 9:45 pm.

The first event was planned for May 31 to June 2, 2024. The applicant had engaged in extensive pre-application consultation with residents, delivering flyers to approximately 5,000 addresses and holding in-person and online meetings. Despite this, one representation was received from a local resident, Louise Chappell, who raised concerns under the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and prevention of public nuisance. Ms. Chappell's objections focused on the potential detriment to the park's environment, wildlife, and the inconvenience to park users.

However, the applicant and three responsible authorities – the Metropolitan Police, the Licensing Authority, and the Council's Environmental Protection Team – had reached agreements on additional conditions to be attached to the licence. These agreements, detailed in Appendices G and H of the public reports pack, resulted in no objections from these authorities.

During the hearing, Matthew Phipps, representing the applicant, highlighted the applicant's experience in organising large-scale events and the comprehensive nature of their Event Safety Management Plan (ESMP). He addressed the objector's concerns, stating that inconvenience does not equate to public nuisance and that the sale of alcohol is managed through robust procedures. He also clarified that the application was for a permanent licence, which allows for review if any issues arise.

Councillor Faraaz Shaukat, Chair of the Licensing Sub-Committee, questioned the applicant regarding the management of attendees and the robustness of their experience. The applicant confirmed that the event would be ticketed, with a maximum capacity of 7,000 attendees, and that security would be present at the entrance for checks.

The objector, Louise Chappell, was invited to address the sub-committee but did not attend.

Following deliberations, the Licensing Sub-Committee resolved to grant the premises licence. The decision was made subject to the conditions agreed upon by the applicant and the three responsible authorities, as detailed in the Licensing Officer's report and supplementary report. The sub-committee considered the Licensing Act 2003, statutory guidance, the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, and the Human Rights Act 1998 in reaching its decision. The applicant was informed that they have 21 days from receipt of the decision notice to appeal to the Magistrates Court.