Agenda and minutes

Appendices D, L and N to the report are exempt from publication as they contain sensitive/confidential information (exempt under paragraph 7, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended)).

The Council’s Licensing Case Officer presented a report in respect of an application made by A Man About A Dog Ltd, for a 5 year time limited premises licence for festivals in Barking Park, Longbridge Road, Barking IG11 8SP.

The applicant sought the following licensable activities:

·  Provision of Film Friday to Monday 12:00 to 22:30hrs

·  Provision of Live Music Friday to Monday 12:00 to 22:30hrs 

·  Provision of Recorded Music Friday to Monday 12:00 to 22:30hrs

·  Provision of Performance of Dance Friday to Monday 12:00 to 22:30hrs

·  Provision of anything of a similar description to live music, recorded music or performances of dance Friday to Monday 12:00 to 22:30hrs, and the

·  Supply of Alcohol Friday to Monday 12:00 to 22:10hrs

Two representations had been received in relation to the application from the Metropolitan Police Licensing Officer, and the Council’s Environmental Health Public Protection (EHPP) Officer.  In respect of the latter, following conciliation, agreement was reached with the applicant to impose additional measures/conditions which resulted in the representation being withdrawn.

The Sub Committee then heard from PC Owen Dunn on behalf of the Metropolitan Police who objected to the licence under the Licensing Objectives of the Prevention of Crime and Disorder and Public Nuisance as well as Public Safety. He also cited the absence of a comprehensive traffic management plan (TMP) which meant that it was not clear to him as to the effective dispersal of up to 15,000 attendees, and that those dispersing via Longbridge Road, a main spine road, would do so via an area which was subject to a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

PC Dunn accepted that although there had been continued engagement with the applicant, there remained the concern that the event would attract criminality in an area that was subject to high crime rates, the statistics of which were circulated to all parties and published in advance of the meeting as a supplementary report. He was further concerned that the park lake could pose a risk to the public if intoxicated individuals fell in.

In his submission he referenced a witness statement from the Ward Police Sergeant who too had serious concerns about the hosting of the event in Barking Park, a crime hot spot which in his opinion was not a suitable venue for festivals attracting large numbers of people and potential alcohol/drug consumption. He too was worried about the dangers posed by the relative openness of the lake and the potential at night for intoxicated persons to fall or jump in and drown.

The Sub Committee then heard at length from Mr Matthew Phipps, who was instructed by the applicant to represent them. He submitted that the applicant organising company (Slammin Events) had 25 years’ experience in event planning and were a responsible and recognised organisation. The applicant sought to forge long term relationships with authorities and had never had a licence application refused or reviewed.

Mr Phipps stressed that given it was still eight months out until the planned date for the festival  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.