The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee of Brent Council was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Roe Green Park. The application was for a Holi Festival event to be held on 7 and 8 March 2026.

Application for a New Premises Licence: Holi Festival at Roe Green Park

The sub-committee was scheduled to discuss an application for a new premises licence for Roe Green Park, located on Kingsbury Road, NW9. The application was submitted by Jaz Walia of Asian Events Media for a Holi Festival event planned for 7 and 8 March 2026. The proposed event was to run from 12 noon to 7:00 pm on both days, with an expected attendance of 2,500 people. The licence sought permission for regulated entertainment, including live music and dance performances, and the sale of alcohol.

The report pack indicated that representations had been received from two local residents, but these were outstanding. Representations from the Police and Licensing Officers had been withdrawn after conditions were agreed. The application detailed an Event Management Plan outlining arrangements for security, public safety, alcohol management, and safeguarding. This plan included provisions for 15 SIA-licensed security staff, bag searches, a Challenge 25 policy for alcohol sales, and procedures for managing lost children and vulnerable adults.

Concerns were raised by local residents regarding traffic, parking, noise, and potential damage to the park. One resident, Linda Legister, submitted a formal objection, arguing that the application failed to adequately promote the licensing objectives, particularly concerning public safety due to a lack of on-site parking and perimeter control, and the prevention of public nuisance from amplified noise. Another resident also objected, citing issues from a previous event organised by the applicant, including unlawful access onto parkland and inadequate security.

The report pack also included proposed conditions, agreed upon by the Police and Licensing Authority, which would be attached to the licence if granted. These conditions covered various aspects, including attendance numbers, security staffing levels, bag searches, alcohol sales restrictions (beer and lager only, no high-strength options), the use of non-glass containers, public safety measures such as emergency exits and an incident log, noise management, and child protection policies. The Brent Safety Advisory Group (BSAG) was also to be involved in reviewing the Event Management Plan.