The Licensing Panel of Harrow Council met on Thursday 22 May 2025 to consider an application for a new premises licence for Byron Recreation Ground. The panel resolved to grant the licence, subject to a number of conditions.

Application for a New Premises Licence at Byron Recreation Ground

The Licensing Panel granted a new premises licence for Byron Recreation Ground to Enigma Event Ltd. The licence permits the sale of alcohol and regulated entertainment, including live and recorded music and performances of dance, on Sundays between 12:00 and 17:00 for alcohol sales, and 10:00 to 18:00 for entertainment and public access. The licence is for one event per quarter, with the first event scheduled for 25 May 2025.

The decision to grant the licence was made after considering representations from responsible authorities and interested parties. The Metropolitan Police initially raised concerns but withdrew their objection after agreeing on a set of conditions with the applicant. Public Health also submitted a representation, expressing concerns about the scale of the event and its potential impact on public safety and nuisance. Local residents also submitted four objections, raising fears of unrest, potential for illegal activity, and concerns about noise and disturbance.

The Panel addressed these concerns by imposing a comprehensive set of conditions on the licence. These conditions include requirements for a detailed Event Management Plan, strict adherence to safety guidelines such as those in 'The Purple Guide'¹, robust security measures including a minimum of 20 SIA-trained staff, a strict no search, no entry policy, and a maximum capacity of 1000 people. Conditions were also put in place regarding the sale of alcohol, including a 'Challenge 25' policy, the use of plastic drinkware, and the prohibition of self-service. Noise limits were to be set in advance, and a professional cleaning company would be employed. The applicant, Enigma Event Ltd., represented by Elena Neagu, confirmed their experience in organising similar events and their commitment to working with authorities to ensure the licensing objectives were met.

The Panel concluded that the imposed conditions were appropriate and proportionate to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.