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Newcastle racecourse says that the paraphernalia related to the quintessential English picnic has actually become a trip threat, and has actually consequently banned it on the grounds of health and safety, causing outrage amongst racegoers.



The UK Telegraph has recently released the announcement by a significant racecourse which draws in more than 20,000 racegoers to meetings, which has actually banned picnics for health and safety factors. Newcastle racecourse said it was introducing the ban for all its 2015 meetings, apart from one, following a number of problems at events in 2014. The venue's management group said stopping racegoers from spreading out rugs and eating in chairs would reduce activity around the racecourse and boost visitors' enjoyment. Racegoers shall instead be provided with a picnic area outside the racecourse, however within the broader estate. Executive director David Williamson said... "We have taken the decision not to allow picnics or picnic furnishings into Newcastle Racecourse for all of our 2015 components, with the exception of The Blaydon Races in August, to make sure the safety and pleasure of all of our visitors, which is our number one priority."

At Ladies Day and Plate Day, which frequently attract in excess of 20,000 visitors, a number of health and safety problems were highlighted to the racecourse executive, who has said... "To make sure the pleasure of all those attending these popular events, and for ease of activity around the racecourse, we have taken the decision not to allow picnics in any enclosure. This is not a choice that was made without thought, and we hope that this move shall allow us to still offer a pleasurable experience for all of our visitors. In line with the change in policy, more seated areas and additional food outlets shall be available in both enclosures for visitors to utilize if they wish, and for those who wish to have a picnic prior to coming into the racecourse we will have a designated location within the estate where picnics can be had."

Routine racegoer Sue Nicholson, from Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, was terrified when she heard about the policy change. She had actually prepared to go to this year's Ladies Day; a focal point of the North East social calendar when racegoers of both sexes dress up, in a group of 12 pals, however she will now cancel the day out. She added... "I especially like getting spruced up, putting on silly shoes and a silly hat and going to Ladies Day. For the last two years I have gone with a group of about a dozen pals, and we have a great time. We take picnics and have a lot of fun on the water resistant blanket, however after we discovered the picnic ban, we are not going."

she also said... "The racecourse did not allow racegoers to bring their own alcohol in, so that was not part of the policy change. But racegoers spruced up in their finery might not want to eat the type of food provided by food outlets. You can take a picnic to Glyndebourne, you can take one to Ascot however you cannot take a picnic to Newcastle Racecourse? Who do they think they are?" Mr Williamson said picnickers' furnishings created a "prospective trip threat," which was the main reason for the ban, and not an effort to make racegoers spending more in food outlets. He added... "The decision has actually been made purely for the comfort and safety of all racegoers. The quantity of racegoers bringing in chairs, rugs, picnic boxes, etc, caused space to be restricted for the number of racegoers attending the race days due to picnickers taking over. The added furnishings was a potential trip threat, and a few racegoers have been reported to emergency treatment because of this. Racegoers are under no obligation whatsoever to purchase food while in the racecourse premises. For those who wish to have a picnic blanket lunch prior to coming into the racecourse, we will have a designated location within the estate where picnics can be had if they so wish."

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