The 64th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence from the United Kingdom is set to take place on Thursday (August 6).
Tammy Mpitu applied to host the event for up to 100 people at a residential property on Marian Way between Harlesden and Willesden.
Initially, the plan was to host the BBQ, which included alcohol sales and late-night entertainment, at the private home between 8pm and 4am this coming weekend (August 7 and 8).
Ms Mpitu agreed to reduce the hours during a review by Brent Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee to between 2pm and 12am, with alcohol sold only during a three-hour window between 8pm and 11pm.
It follows after the Metropolitan Police raised a number of objections to the application.
Sgt Michael Sullivan cited a number of concerns, including the fact that the ticketed event was being advertised on social media; it was to be held in a residential property; and the area was known for “gang violence and drug dealing”.
Addressing the committee, Sgt Sullivan said: “This is not being presented as a private gathering of family and friends, the event is actively being advertised on social media with tickets being sold for £10.
“As a result, the attendance is open to the wider public and likely to attract individuals unknown to the organiser.
“The use of social media and ticket sales creates the risk that attendance could exceed expectations, making effective management more difficult – if not impossible.
“The premises is located within a residential estate and that estate experiences ongoing issues with serious violence, gang activity, drug dealing and antisocial behaviour.”
He added: “The combination of alcohol sales, entertainment, and operations until 4am present a significant risk of crime, disorder, and nuisance in the environment.”
Ms Mpitu said: “I don’t mind changing the time because it’s for a good cause, the application is really to support my family in Jamaica. […] I was trying to think of ways to support them.“
The committee ultimately decided to grant the licence, provided the event adhered to the modified time window between 2pm and midnight, kept to the three-hour alcohol sales window, and employed two SIA-accredited security personnel.
The concerns of violence follows after various incidents reported in the area over recent years.
A 42-year-old woman had facial injuries after being stabbed on Marian Way with a pair of scissors on May 30, 2024.
A short distance away, police were called to Pound Lane on January 31 this year to reports of a 50-year-old woman stabbed to death.
