A well-known Brighton pub is facing a fight to secure extended opening hours during this year’s Pride celebrations after Sussex Police formally objected to its application.
The Camelford Arms, a popular venue in Kemp Town, has applied for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) that would allow it to trade until as late as 4am over the Brighton Pride weekend.
However, Sussex Police have raised concerns about the application, meaning the final decision will now be made by a panel of councillors.
The pub, which has become a familiar part of Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community and Pride celebrations over the years, argues it has a long history of operating responsibly during the city’s biggest annual event.
For those planning a visit, you can view the venue’s profile on The Best Pub Guide here:
https://thebestpubguide.co.uk/listing/the-camelford-arms-brighton/
Why Are Police Opposing The Application?
According to Sussex Police, the concern is not specifically about the Camelford Arms itself but about the wider planning and safety arrangements surrounding Brighton Pride 2026.
In recent years, major changes have been made to the event. What was previously known as the Pride Village Party has evolved into the Pride Street Party, with changes to locations, crowd management plans and security arrangements.
Emergency services say they are still waiting for final event plans and confirmation of the event footprint before they can fully assess the impact of extended trading hours across the city.
Police have stated that making decisions before those plans are finalised could create risks to public safety and licensing objectives.
A Strong Pride Track Record
The Camelford Arms says it has successfully operated during Pride celebrations for the past sixteen years without complaint or significant incident.
As part of its application, the pub has outlined a number of measures designed to support safety during the extended hours.
These include:
- A minimum of three security staff on duty throughout the event.
- All drinks being served in plastic containers.
- Additional bar facilities to reduce congestion.
- Measures designed to improve customer flow and minimise pressure on the main bar area.
The venue also points out that under-18s are not permitted on the premises at any time.
Licensing Policy Favouring Good Operators
Brighton & Hove City Council’s licensing policy generally supports applications from venues that have demonstrated responsible management and compliance with licensing conditions.
The Camelford Arms’ parent company, Rowbell Leisure, argues that the venue has consistently met those standards and has established itself as a reliable operator during previous Pride events.
The company disputes suggestions that proxy alcohol sales have ever been an issue at the venue and says there have been no recorded incidents linked to such activity during previous Pride celebrations.
What Hours Is The Pub Seeking?
If approved, the temporary licence would allow the Camelford Arms to trade:
Friday 31 July to Saturday 1 August
10:00am until 3:00am
Saturday 1 August to Sunday 2 August
10:00am until 4:00am
Sunday 2 August to Monday 3 August
12:00pm until 1:00am
These hours would extend beyond the pub’s normal trading times, which typically see the venue closing shortly after midnight on most weekdays.
Decision To Be Made By Councillors
The application will now be considered by a licensing panel made up of three councillors.
The panel will hear arguments from both Sussex Police and representatives of the Camelford Arms before deciding whether the temporary licence should be granted.
The decision is likely to be watched closely by other venues across Brighton, as Pride remains one of the city’s biggest weekends of the year and a significant source of trade for the local hospitality industry.
With thousands of visitors expected to descend on Brighton once again, the outcome could have wider implications for how future Pride licensing applications are assessed.
Do you think trusted pubs with a strong track record should be allowed later opening hours during major events like Brighton Pride?
