The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kensington and Chelsea Council was scheduled to convene to consider an objection to a temporary event notice (TEN) for the sale of alcohol during the Notting Hill Carnival¹ weekend. The sub-committee was to consider the objection and determine whether to issue a counter notice, take no action, or impose conditions on the TEN.

Temporary Event Notice: Basement Flat, 30 Cambridge Gardens

The sub-committee was scheduled to review a notice submitted by Mr Marlon Bryan for a temporary event at the Basement Flat, 30 Cambridge Gardens, London, W10 5UD. Mr Bryan was seeking permission to sell alcohol off the premises from the front porch area of the basement flat during the Notting Hill Carnival on Sunday 24 August and Monday 25 August 2025, between the hours of 12:00 and 19:00. The maximum number of people to be permitted at any one time was 100.

According to the report pack, PC Donna Willcox, on behalf of the Metropolitan Police, and Mr Philip Richardson, on behalf of the Environmental Health Noise and Nuisance team, had lodged objections to the TEN.

PC Donna Willcox raised concerns regarding public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder, stating:

The proposed location is near Portobello Road and Ladbroke Grove. PC Willcox believes there will be a large number of people in that area looking to purchase alcohol. There are concerns that this will generate crowds that could block the pavement, resulting in the increased risk of a pinch point as people try to walk past.

PC Willcox also noted that Mr Bryan's risk assessment and event management plan did not adequately address how he would manage crowd build-up, potentially causing obstructions and impeding emergency services. PC Willcox cited clauses 25.5, 25.6 and 25.11 of the council's licensing policy, which detail Mr Bryan's responsibilities to support the licensing objectives.

Mr Philip Richardson's objection focused on the prevention of public nuisance and public safety. He noted the location's proximity to Portobello Green, the parade route on Ladbroke Grove, and Portobello Road, all areas known for heavy congestion. Mr Richardson suggested that the TEN could exacerbate congestion by drawing and holding people at the site, negatively affecting crowd flow. He also stated that Mr Bryan had not provided a specific plan, making it difficult to determine where the licensable activities would take place and their impact on public safety. Furthermore, Mr Richardson noted that there was no evidence of a street trading licence permitting the sale of alcohol on the public highway.

The report pack included several appendices to provide context for the sub-committee's decision-making. These included:

• Appendix A: A copy of the Temporary Event Notice and Event Management Plan.
• Appendix B: A copy of PC Willcox's objection.
• Appendix C: A copy of Mr Richardson's objection.
• Appendix D: Extracts from the council's statement of licensing policy, including sections on temporary event notices, significant/major events, and the Notting Hill Carnival.
• Appendix E: A map of the area surrounding 30 Cambridge Gardens.
• Appendix F: A list of licensed premises within the vicinity of 30 Cambridge Gardens.
• Appendix G: A map of the 2024 Carnival footprint.
• Appendix H: A list of temporary event notices received so far for this year's Carnival.

The sub-committee was asked to consider the objections and determine whether to issue a counter notice, take no action, or impose conditions on the TEN, in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003² and the council's licensing policy.