The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an objection to a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for the forecourt of 12 Cambridge Gardens, London, W10 5UB, during Notting Hill Carnival. The committee decided to issue a counter notice, refusing the TEN.

Temporary Event Notice for 12 Cambridge Gardens Refused

The Licensing Sub-Committee decided to refuse a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) submitted by Ms Elizabeth Aryeetey for the forecourt of her home at 12 Cambridge Gardens, London, W10 5UB. The notice was for the sale of alcohol on and off the premises during Notting Hill Carnival on Sunday 30 August and Monday 31 August 2026, with a proposed capacity of 499 people.

The Metropolitan Police, represented by PC Mark Perry, and the Noise and Nuisance Team, represented by Philip Richardson, had both lodged objections to the TEN. The police's objection focused on the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety. They argued that allowing alcohol sales from unlicensed premises during Carnival could negatively impact crowd dynamics and safety, potentially leading to increased crime such as pickpocketing, theft, and sexual assaults, as well as crowd tensions and disorder. They also raised concerns about the applicant not clarifying how patrons would be served and the potential for increased congestion and bottlenecking on Cambridge Gardens, which is near the busy Portobello Road. The police stated that Ms Aryeetey had not provided sufficient information to demonstrate how risks to public safety would be managed or how crime and disorder would be reduced.

The Noise and Nuisance Team echoed these concerns, specifically highlighting the risk to public safety due to the proposed location's proximity to the congested Portobello Green. They argued that the TEN would likely exacerbate existing congestion by creating an obstruction on the public highway due to queuing customers, adversely impacting crowd movement and safety. They also found the submitted risk assessment inadequate in detailing how queues, congestion, or other incidents would be managed.

Ms Aryeetey, the applicant, stated that she had worked with the police officer stationed near her stall during the event without issue and that none of the specific objections raised had materialised. She had submitted a risk assessment and event management plan, which detailed measures such as serving drinks in plastic or biodegradable cups, maintaining clear resident and emergency access, and managing queues. She also highlighted that no live or recorded music would be provided, and that her historical customer numbers were significantly lower than the 499 capacity.

However, the committee, in making its decision, considered the objections and the potential impact on the licensing objectives. The decision to refuse the TEN was based on the concerns raised by the police and the Noise and Nuisance Team regarding public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder, particularly in the context of the high footfall and potential for congestion during Notting Hill Carnival. The committee determined that issuing a counter notice was necessary for the promotion of these licensing objectives.

The meeting also included procedural matters, such as the election of Councillor Heena Ballara as a substitute chair and the introduction of legal advisor Inzilla Legal Services, licensing officer Laura McGann, and governance officers Holly Weaver and Danny Hill. The applicant, Elizabeth Aryeetey, declared an interest as the forecourt was part of her home. The committee also discussed the admission of late evidence, specifically photographs from PC Mark Perry, and decided to retire to consider this matter before proceeding with the hearing. The final decision to refuse the TEN was made after considering all representations.