Agenda and draft minutes

Councillor Stephen Wells was appointed Chairman for the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

DETERMINATION:  

1.  We determine to issue counter-notices in relation to both TENS and so licensable activities at these events are not authorised.

2.  Whilst we accept the applicant is a highly professional and able operator, we believe that despite her best efforts and preparations, this large event is likely to lead to a serious risk of COVID-19 infection spreading, and we feel compelled to prioritise the interests of the local community in these exceptional times. Our decision is appropriate and proportionate in order to promote the licensing objectives.  

REASONS

3.  The applicant premises user, Ms Wendy Cummins, on behalf of Wanda Nation, wishes to hold events collectively known as “Radiate Secret Garden & Night Market” over the weekend of 15-16 August 2020 in a new temporary events area on the North West side of the Top Tier of Crystal Palace Park. 

4.  The open-air events, within this large public park owned by the Council, is proposed to operate from 11:00 – 23:00hrs on both days. The weekend programme of events will be split into two adjacent areas (Areas A & B) separated by a wide pathway. 

5.  The events over the weekend will be mainly free but require ticketed entry and provide the opportunity for groups of up to 6 people from different households or 2 households to be able to come together in a social outdoor environment with, the applicant states, the added security of being able to social distance whilst enjoying an event. People who turn up without a ticket will be able to wait if the capacity levels have been reached and permitted to enter once capacity levels have eased. The applicant will collect attendees’ personal details to enable track and trace procedures to be followed up if required.

6.  The applicant served an initial Event Management Plan (“EMP”) with her TENS but this has been updated in light of objections and discussions with responsible authorities. The latest EMP is at pages 157-184 of the Agenda Papers. The event will be open to all ages.

7.  The applicant states that she hopes and intends to create a COVID-19 secure environment in accordance with Government guidelines. This will include a range of measures including the provision of bubble areas and paid for pods for groups to socially distance as appropriate as well as sanitising measures. These COVID-19 specific actions are set out in a detailed risk assessment, which we have considered.

8.  The events will include a mixture of entertainment attractions including three licensed bars (two in Area A and one in Area B), pre-recorded music and DJ’s, face and body painting, fancy dress, dance performances, drumming, community group and wellbeing sessions, vendor workshops, group picnic posts, and market stalls with a range of goods and foods for sale. The applicant would, ideally, also like to provide live music to attendees but that is not in the current EMP.

9.  The applicant has indicated that she expects people will wish to dance to the music, albeit she hopes they will  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.