The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kensington and Chelsea Council was scheduled to consider an objection to a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for premises at Flat A, 24 Lancaster Road, London, W11 1QP. The hearing was to determine whether the event, planned for the Notting Hill Carnival weekend, should be allowed to proceed.

Objection to Temporary Event Notice at 24 Lancaster Road

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an objection to a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) submitted by Mr Hung Cao for the front garden of Flat A, 24 Lancaster Road, London, W11 1QP. The TEN proposed the sale of alcohol off the premises on Sunday 30 August and Monday 31 August 2026, between 12:00 and 19:00, with a maximum of two people to be present at any one time.

Objections were raised by the Metropolitan Police and the Environmental Health Department.

The Metropolitan Police, represented by PC Jinelle Caldinez, objected on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety. Their concerns centred on the premises' proximity to three sound systems during the Notting Hill Carnival, which is known to attract large crowds and lead to intense congestion on Lancaster Road. The police noted that Mr Cao had not submitted a Risk Assessment (RA) detailing queue management, crowd control, staffing, security, or fire safety, nor a site plan. They requested that the Licensing Sub-Committee refuse the TEN and issue a counter notice. The police also highlighted that selling alcohol from front gardens during Carnival could negatively impact crowd dynamics and safety, potentially creating bottlenecks and impeding emergency vehicle access. They further pointed out that such sales might require a street trading licence, which the council's policy is not to grant for alcohol sales into the public highway during Carnival.

The Environmental Health Department, represented by Mr Kieran McKenna, also objected on the grounds of public safety. Their concerns mirrored those of the police regarding the potential exacerbation of congestion on surrounding streets, particularly All Saints Road, due to queues forming on the public highway. They also noted the absence of a risk assessment or event management plan detailing how public safety would be managed or what steps would be taken in an emergency. Additionally, they raised concerns about the lack of evidence for a street trading licence for alcohol sales onto the public highway.

The report pack included extracts from the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy¹, which outlines the importance of promoting the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The policy also details specific expectations for Temporary Event Notices during Notting Hill Carnival, including early submission of notices, detailed event management plans, and crowd control measures.

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider these objections and decide whether to issue a counter notice, take no action and allow the notice to have effect, or impose conditions if the premises held an existing licence.