Hackney Council allows taxi disco despite police objections

Hackney Council’s Licensing Committee has granted permission for a taxi disco to take place outside Hackney Wick Overground station, despite objections from the Metropolitan Police. The decision was made on November 6, allowing the event to proceed.

Police concerns over public safety

The Metropolitan Police had formally objected to the planned event, citing worries regarding noise nuisance, public safety, and the dispersal of crowds in what they described as an unrestricted public space. Officers had previously responded to a similar gathering in September, which reportedly drew between 100 and 150 attendees and caused highway obstruction.

PC Chris Stockman of the Metropolitan Police told the licensing hearing on November 3 that the September incident raised concerns about attendance levels, crowd management, and the potential for public nuisance. He noted that the applicant, Jason Richards, had requested a Temporary Event Notice for a maximum of 400 people at any one time during the proposed two-hour event.

Mr Richards, also known as DJ Boyblue from the music duo Boys in the Taxi, stated that he was not planning for 400 people to be present simultaneously. He estimated the actual number would be closer to 100 to 120. He also informed the committee that the September event had concluded precisely at 10pm, as scheduled.

Applicant's assurances to the committee

Addressing the committee, Mr Richards assured them that if the event appeared to be getting out of hand or rowdy, the music would be stopped and the crowd dispersed. He emphasised that such issues had not occurred at previous events, which he stated were held for enjoyment and without financial profit. He added that while some complaints might arise, safety was paramount, and they would cease operations if any problems emerged.

Boys in the Taxi have previously held events in various London locations, including Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus, as well as other parts of Hackney. The duo plays genres including garage, party anthems, and club classics from a Hackney carriage.