The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an objection to a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for a Caribbean-themed rum bar during Notting Hill Carnival. The committee's decision on the TEN, including any additional conditions, is to be determined.

Temporary Event Notice for 204 Kensington Park Road

The main item of discussion was a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) submitted by Mr. David Joseph Sako for a Caribbean-themed rum bar at 204 Kensington Park Road, London, W11 1NR during Notting Hill Carnival on Sunday 30 August and Monday 31 August 2026. The notice sought permission to sell alcohol and provide regulated entertainment between 12 midday and 7 pm each day, with a maximum capacity of 20 people.

Objections to the TEN were raised by the Metropolitan Police on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder and public safety, and by the Council's Noise and Nuisance Team on the grounds of public safety.

The police expressed concerns that allowing alcohol sales from unlicensed premises during Carnival could negatively impact crowd dynamics and safety, particularly in a busy area like Kensington Park Road. PC Mark Perry stated, The TEN increases the risk of crime and disorder and injury. He highlighted the potential for pinch points and crushing, especially with the proposed use of metal barriers, and the increased risk of pickpocketing, theft, and sexual assaults due to overcrowding and alcohol consumption. The police requested that the TEN be refused and a counter notice issued.

The Noise and Nuisance Team, represented by Philip Richardson, also objected on public safety grounds. They argued that the proposed temporary structure and queuing customers could exacerbate existing congestion on the public highway, potentially creating an obstruction and adversely impacting crowd movement. They also stated that Mr. Sako's risk assessment and event management plans did not adequately detail how risks to public safety, including queue management, would be mitigated.

Mr. Sako, the applicant, presented his case, emphasizing his 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and a proven track record of running events at Notting Hill Carnival with zero incidents, zero complaints, and zero police intervention. He clarified that the event would take place on his private forecourt, not the public highway, and that alcohol would be served in plastic cups for consumption within the designated area. He offered several voluntary conditions, including SIA licensed security, a Challenge 25 ID policy, a maximum capacity of 20 people, and qualified first aid on site. Mr. Sako stated, My setup is very simple. It's the forecourt plus the inside of the shop. The event takes place on the private forecourt, 204 Kensington Park Road, not on the public highway. He also highlighted that he had access to the shop's interior for toilets and secure storage, which he believed offered greater control and safety.

After considering the representations and Mr. Sako's submissions, the Licensing Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Greg Hammond, is to make a decision on the Temporary Event Notice. The committee will consider imposing additional conditions to further promote the licensing objectives, which may include:

• No drinks to be supplied in glass or ceramic containers.
• No external advertisements of alcohol promotions.
• No advertising of high-profile artists or DJs.
• Alcohol to be sold only when a personal licence holder is on the premises.
• Any person carrying out a security function must be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
• Stewards must be suitably trained and experienced in crowd control, with agreed procedures with the Police.
• The permitted hours for the sale of alcohol would be between 12:00 and 19:00 on each day of the event.

These potential conditions are in line with the council's Statement of Licensing Policy¹ for events during Notting Hill Carnival, which aims to ensure public safety and prevent crime and disorder.