The Kensington and Chelsea Licensing Sub-Committee convened to discuss a temporary event notice (TEN) application by Adam Ettienne for the sale of alcohol during the Notting Hill Carnival at Flat B, 237 Ladbroke Grove. Objections were raised by the police and environmental health representatives, and ultimately the committee decided to issue a counter notice, effectively denying the application. The committee felt that allowing the TEN would undermine the prevention of crime and disorder, and public safety, which are two of the four licensing objectives¹.

Temporary Event Notice: Flat B, 237 Ladbroke Grove

Adam Ettienne applied for a TEN to sell alcohol, soft drinks, and water from a platform outside Flat B, 237 Ladbroke Grove, London, W10 6HG during the Notting Hill Carnival on 24 and 25 August 2025. The Licensing Sub-Committee decided to issue a counter notice under Section 105 of the Licensing Act 2003, meaning that the application was not approved.

Paul Phelan from the council's licensing team, outlined the application, noting objections from PC Tom Stewart of the Metropolitan Police, and Philip Richardson from the council's noise and nuisance team. The objections were based on concerns about crime and disorder, public safety, and public nuisance.

Adam Ettienne explained that he had attended the Notting Hill Carnival throughout his life, and that he wanted to provide refreshments to manage anxiety, claustrophobia and dehydration. He proposed a pre-booking system to minimise crowds and said he would employ SIA² trained staff and first-aid personnel.

Councillor Marie-Therese Rossi questioned how Mr Ettienne would control crowds, given the location on the main carnival route. Mr Ettienne said that people would be served off the street, and that SIA officers would cordon off the premises and direct people to the side street on St Charles Square if necessary.

Councillor David Lindsay asked about minimising crushing, and Mr Ettienne reiterated the role of SIA officers in directing people. Councillor Lindsay also asked if Mr Ettienne thought the police concerns were legitimate. Mr Ettienne responded:

I think it's fair within reason. I'm not going to sit here and say that it's not fair. It's absolutely not fair. But I also think that there are many other people within the North Kensington area, whether it's local shops, whether it's stalls, that is contributing to the congestion of the Notting Hill Carnival.

He added that his intention was to contribute to people's well-being by providing hydration.

PC Tom Stewart presented the police objection, citing concerns about crime, disorder, and public safety. He highlighted the potential for congestion and crowd compression due to the location on the main procession route of the Notting Hill Carnival. PC Stewart stated that allowing unplanned bars undermines the careful planning of the event. He also raised concerns about the lack of information on stewarding, security, or emergency contingency planning. PC Stewart said:

To put this into perspective, the Met Police Commissioner, as well as the Assistant Commissioner, recently mentioned in two BBC News articles that they have serious concerns and they have a concern that there's a potential of a mass fatality event at Carnival.

PC Stewart argued that alcohol and crime at Carnival are closely linked, and that selling alcohol from a flat not designed for public use would add to the problem. He also suggested that Mr. Ettienne might be tempted to serve over the railings, which would breach street trading regulations.

Mr Julian Trill from environmental health, supported the police objection, emphasising public safety concerns. He noted the density of the crowds in the area and the potential impact of any additional impediment on the Carnival footprint. Mr Trill said that even removing alcohol sales would make a marginal gain in terms of public safety. He also questioned the feasibility of Mr Ettienne's proposed crowd control measures.

After a private session, the committee reconvened and announced their decision to issue a counter notice, effectively rejecting Mr. Ettienne's application. Councillor Janet Evans, chair of the meeting, stated that allowing the TEN would undermine the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety.