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 granted the licence, subject to a number of conditions, allowing for quarterly events to be held at the site.

Application for a New Premises Licence at Byron Recreation Ground

The Licensing Panel granted a new premises licence for Byron Recreation Ground, located at Byron Recreation Ground, Harrow, HA3 7FE, to Enigma Event Ltd. The licence permits the sale of alcohol and regulated entertainment, including live and recorded music and performances of dance, to be held once per quarter. The licence will be valid 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 submitted a holding representation but later withdrew their objection after agreeing on a set of conditions with the applicant. Public Health also raised concerns, particularly regarding the scale of the event and its potential impact on public safety and nuisance. Local residents submitted four written objections, expressing concerns about potential unrest, noise, and the event attracting undesirable elements.

The Panel imposed a comprehensive set of conditions on the licence to address these concerns and 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. These conditions include:

• Event Management: All events must be run according to an appropriate risk assessment and a complete Event Management Plan (EMP) must be submitted and accepted by all relevant statutory bodies. The EMP must include detailed plans for command and control, crime prevention, crowd management, fire safety, food safety, health and safety, major incidents, medical and welfare, noise management, security and stewarding, site layout, traffic management, and waste management. A lost children policy must also be included.
• Licensable Activities: The sale of alcohol is permitted on Sundays between 12:00 and 17:00. Performances of dance and playing of live or recorded music are permitted on Sundays between 10:00 and 18:00. The premises will be open to the public between 10:00 and 18:00 on Sundays.
• Capacity and Security: Entry will be strictly controlled by SIA (Security Industry Authority) personnel. The maximum capacity of the event will not exceed 1,000 people at any one time, with a strict one in, one out policy. A minimum of twenty SIA staff, including at least five female staff, will be present, along with 8-12 stewards and 4-6 marshals. A no search, no entry policy will be enforced.
• Alcohol Sales: A Personal Licence Holder must be present at all times during the event. Only one bar will be in operation, run by a bar supervisor. Plastic or biodegradable drinkware will be used, and any glass packaging must be decanted. Patrons will not be permitted to bring their own drinks. A Challenge 25 policy will be in effect for alcohol sales, and refusal log books will be maintained.
• Public Safety and Nuisance: Noise limits will be set in advance and monitored. Attendees will be advised to use public transport and avoid parking in residential areas. Plastic drinkware will be used, and a professional cleaning company will be employed to manage litter. A dedicated welfare area will be provided, and at least three certified first aiders must be present. Prominent signage will be displayed at entrances indicating operating hours.
• Crime and Disorder: Any drugs or illicit substances found will be logged and handed to the police. A vulnerable person policy, including the Ask for Angela scheme, will be implemented. All staff will receive relevant training.
• Conditions Agreed with Police: The conditions agreed with the Metropolitan Police, as detailed in Appendix 5 of the reports pack, were incorporated into the licence. These include requirements for event organisers to liaise with police licensing, adhere to guidance in 'The Purple Guide' and HSE guidance, and attend Safety Advisory Group meetings.

The applicant, Enigma Event Ltd., represented by Elena Neagu, confirmed her personal experience in organising similar events across the country. The Panel noted that while the application was for a new company, the applicant had a track record of successful event management. The Panel considered the objections raised by residents and concluded that the proposed conditions, particularly those agreed with the Metropolitan Police, were sufficient to address these concerns.

The meeting also included the appointment of Councillor Ramji Chauhan as Chair of the Licensing Panel and the noting of no declarations of interest from the councillors present. The Panel also outlined the licensing procedures for oral hearings.