The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kensington and Chelsea Council met on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, to consider an objection to a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for a pineapple stall at 284 Portobello Road. The committee decided to refuse the TEN and issue a counter notice, meaning the event will not be permitted to proceed as planned.

Temporary Event Notice for Pineapple Stall at 284 Portobello Road

The primary focus of the meeting was to consider an objection lodged by the Metropolitan Police and the Noise and Nuisance Team against a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) submitted by Mr Adam Jones. The TEN sought permission to sell alcohol off the premises from a pineapple stall located at the frontage of 284 Portobello Road, London, W10 5TE, during the Notting Hill Carnival on Sunday, 30 August, and Monday, 31 August 2026. The proposed event would have allowed for up to 25 people at any one time, with alcohol sales between 12:00 and 19:00 on both days.

The Metropolitan Police, represented by PC Jinelle Caldinez, objected on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder and public safety. Their concerns centred on the potential negative impact of additional alcohol sales from unlicensed premises on crowd dynamics during the carnival. They argued that such sales could lead to increased congestion, create bottlenecks on the busy Portobello Road, impede emergency vehicle access, and potentially escalate crime and disorder, including pickpocketing, theft, and public disorder. The police noted the absence of a risk assessment or event management plan from Mr Jones, which they deemed crucial for managing queues and ensuring public safety in such a congested environment. Furthermore, they raised concerns that selling alcohol from the public highway would require a street trading licence, which the council's policy generally does not permit for alcohol sales during carnival.

The Noise and Nuisance Team, represented by Philip Richardson, echoed these concerns, specifically citing public safety. They agreed that the proposed location on the main carnival route would exacerbate existing congestion, with the temporary structure and queuing patrons potentially obstructing the public highway and negatively impacting crowd movement and safety. Like the police, they highlighted the lack of a risk assessment and event management plan as a significant concern regarding the applicant's ability to mitigate risks.

Mr Adam Jones, the applicant, presented his case, explaining his artistic background and his desire to contribute to community building through the pineapple stall, which would offer alcohol-free pineapple cocktails and a traditional pineapple punch. He acknowledged the need for proper procedures and apologised if any steps were not perfectly executed. He also referenced a previous successful orange juice stall he operated under a TEN at a different location.

After hearing from all parties, the Licensing Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Greg Hammond, deliberated. The committee ultimately decided to refuse the Temporary Event Notice and issue a counter notice. This decision was based on the significant concerns raised by the police and environmental health regarding public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder, particularly in the context of the highly congested and busy environment of Notting Hill Carnival. The lack of a comprehensive risk assessment and event management plan, coupled with the potential for increased congestion and disorder on Portobello Road, were key factors in the decision.