London Pop-Up Taxi Disco Approved Despite Police Objections
Hackney Council permits mobile DJ event despite Metropolitan Police safety and noise concerns.
1Council Overrules Police Objections
Hackney Council’s licensing sub-committee officially approved a pop-up disco event scheduled for November 14. The decision followed a formal challenge from the Metropolitan Police, who sought to cancel the performance. Despite concerns regarding public safety and potential noise nuisance, the local authority granted the necessary Temporary Event Notice for the mobile gig.
2Mobile Disco Performance Details
The event, titled Boys in the Taxi, features DJ Boyblue and MC Dean C performing from a black cab. They plan to host a two-hour set outside Hackney Wick Overground station between 8pm and 10pm. The duo has previously performed similar pop-up shows across various locations in east and central London.
3Police Concerns Over Safety
PC Chris Stockman argued that previous performances caused significant issues, including highway obstruction and large, unmanaged crowds. During a September event, police reported between 100 and 150 attendees gathering near the taxi. Authorities expressed fear that attendance could exceed the 400-person limit requested by the organizers, leading to further public nuisance.
4Organizer Response to Allegations
Jason Richards, known as DJ Boyblue, clarified that he does not anticipate 400 attendees, estimating a crowd of 100 to 120 people. He emphasized that past events concluded promptly at 10pm. Richards stated that he is prepared to stop the music immediately if the situation becomes rowdy or unmanageable for local residents.
5History of Public Gatherings
The duo has staged multiple performances in high-traffic areas like Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus. Social media footage indicates that police were previously called to an event outside Boxpark Shoreditch in April 2025. Richards maintains that these gatherings are non-profit initiatives intended to spread joy rather than cause any public disorder.
6Licensing Committee Decision Process
The licensing sub-committee held a hearing on November 3 to review the application and police testimony. Although the police remained unsatisfied with the provided safety safeguards, the council ultimately decided the event could proceed. This ruling highlights the balance between local cultural expression and the management of public space in London.
7Future Licensing Aspirations
Following the approval for this specific event, Jason Richards is currently seeking a personal licence from Hackney Council. Obtaining this status would allow him to submit up to 50 Temporary Event Notices per calendar year. This move suggests the organizers intend to formalize their operations and continue hosting mobile street performances regularly.
8Broader Regulatory Implications
The case underscores the ongoing tension between grassroots street performances and municipal safety regulations. While police prioritize crowd control and noise mitigation, local councils often weigh these against community engagement. The outcome serves as a precedent for how street-based cultural events are managed within the constraints of urban public space policies.
Original article: Evening Standard — London Pop-Up Taxi Disco Approved Despite Police Objections