The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee of Brent Council met on Wednesday 29 July 2026 to consider a single application for a new premises licence. The application was for a Burmese Cultural Event to be held at Gladstone Park, Parkside.

Application for a New Premises Licence at Gladstone Park

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a new premises licence for Gladstone Park, Parkside, submitted by Mr Raju Neupane. The application sought permission for regulated entertainment and the sale of alcohol for a Burmese Cultural Event.

The proposed event was scheduled to take place on Sunday 2 August 2026, with the applicant initially requesting permission for activities to run from 11 am to 10 pm. This was later amended to an end time of 9 pm for licensable activities. The event was expected to accommodate up to 2,000 people.

The report pack detailed the applicant's proposed operating schedule, which included live music, recorded music, performances of dance, and the sale of alcohol. The proposed hours for these activities on Saturday and Sunday were from 11 am to 10 pm, with the sale of alcohol and performances of dance and music to conclude at 9 pm on Sunday.

A significant portion of the documentation comprised representations received from various parties, including the Police, Licensing Officers, a Ward Councillor, and local residents. These representations raised concerns related to the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Specific concerns raised by residents and the Police included potential increases in anti-social behaviour and crime due to alcohol sales, noise disturbance from amplified music, littering, congestion on surrounding residential streets, and the impact on children using the park for recreation. Some representations also highlighted inaccuracies in the submitted site plan, which allegedly omitted residential properties and other key features.

The Licensing Authority, through Licensing Enforcement Officer Rhea Vagarwal, submitted its own representation outlining requested conditions to be included in the operating schedule or added as licence conditions. These included requirements for attendance at Safety Advisory Group meetings, adherence to the Event Management Plan, the use of SIA-licensed security staff, and measures for crowd management, fire safety, and waste management.

Discussions and correspondence between the applicant's agent, Mr Surendra Panchal of Personal Licence Courses UK Ltd, and the Licensing Authority indicated that agreements were reached on several points. These included the use of wristbands for patrons, the cessation of licensable activities at 9 pm on Sunday, and the removal of a condition prohibiting alcohol sales within the designated premises area. The Licensing Authority subsequently withdrew its representation.