The Licensing Sub-Committee of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council met on Wednesday 26 August 2026 to consider an objection to a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for Thai Rice, located at 303 Portobello Road. The objection was raised by the Metropolitan Police and the Environmental Health Department, citing concerns related to public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder.

Objection to Temporary Event Notice at Thai Rice

The meeting was scheduled to consider an objection to a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) submitted by Mr Sakda Sunthornsara for Thai Rice, located at 303 Portobello Road, London, W10 5TD. The TEN proposed the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises on Sunday 30 August 2026 and Monday 31 August 2026, coinciding with Notting Hill Carnival 2026. The maximum number of people permitted at any one time was to be 30.

The Metropolitan Police, represented by PC Jinelle Caldinez, objected on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder and public safety. Their objection highlighted the intense congestion on Portobello Road during Notting Hill Carnival, which is on the parade route and draws large crowds. The police noted that this congestion can lead to difficulties for emergency vehicle access and increases the risk of crimes such as pickpocketing, theft, and sexual assaults. A key concern raised was the lack of a submitted risk assessment (RA) or event management plan (EMP) detailing how queue management, crowd control, staffing, and security would be observed. The police requested that the TEN be refused and a counter notice issued.

Similarly, the Environmental Health Department, represented by Mr Kieran McKenna, also objected on the grounds of public safety. Their objection echoed concerns about exacerbating congestion on Portobello Road, particularly due to queues forming on the public highway, which could negatively affect crowd flow. They also noted the absence of a risk assessment or event management plan to detail how public safety would be managed and what steps would be taken in an emergency.

The report pack indicated that the premises currently hold a premises licence that permits the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, as well as late night refreshment and recorded music. The report also detailed the council's Statement of Licensing Policy and provided maps of the Carnival footprint to illustrate the context of the location. The Sub-Committee was to consider the objection notices and decide whether to issue a counter notice, take no action, or impose conditions consistent with the premises' existing licence.

The report pack also included a list of other Temporary Event Notices received for the Carnival period, to provide context on the overall licensing activity during this time.