Hackney Wick DJ gig approved despite police safety fears

A pop-up DJ event by the group 'Boys in the Taxi' has been granted permission to take place outside Hackney Wick train station. Hackney Council's licensing sub-committee decided on Friday, November 6, to allow the two-hour disco to proceed. The Metropolitan Police had formally objected to the event, requesting the council cancel it due to concerns about public safety and potential disruption.

Police objections and previous incident

The police's objection centred on potential noise nuisance, public safety, and crowd dispersal issues in the public space outside the station. PC Chris Stockman of the Metropolitan Police informed the licensing sub-committee about a similar event held in September. Officers and Hackney's noise enforcement team attended that earlier gathering after receiving complaints. PC Stockman stated that between 100 and 150 people were present, blocking the highway.

This prior incident, according to PC Stockman, raised concerns regarding attendance levels, crowd management, use of public space, and the potential for public nuisance. The police expressed further concern that published attendance figures for the upcoming event might be exceeded, leading to overcrowding and obstruction.

Applicant's assurances and licensing decision

The DJ, Jason Richards, known as DJ Boyblue, had applied for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) to allow up to 400 people at the event. He told the committee that he did not anticipate 400 people being present simultaneously, estimating a crowd of around 100 to 120. Richards also stated that the September event had concluded precisely at 10pm when officers arrived. He assured the councillors that if the event appeared to become unruly, the music would be stopped and the crowd dispersed, adding that his group performs for enjoyment and has not encountered trouble at previous events.

The 'Boys in the Taxi' group has previously held events in various London locations, including Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus. Mr Richards is also currently seeking a personal licence from Hackney Council, which would enable him to submit up to 50 TENs annually.

What happens next

The pop-up DJ gig is scheduled to take place outside Hackney Wick train station on Saturday, November 14, between 8pm and 10pm. Mr Richards awaits a decision on his application for a personal licence from Hackney Council.