RichardPitman replied on 15/04/2016 00:02
Posted on 15/04/2016 00:02
We had a day trip to Chester on Wednesday, and my wife was taking photos of the Rows on her phone. We came upon a branch of Boodles, the posh jewellers. It drew our attention, because we'd watched an interesting documentary on C4 about this company a while back.
My wife decided to take a photo of this shop, not a closeup of the window display, just a general picture of the Rows, with Boodles in it. At which point, a bloke wearing a suit, who I'd noticed loitering nearby, accosted my wife, 'Excuse me, young lady, but you are not allowed to photograph Boodles', citing some nonsense about privacy, and it being a civil offense.
My hackles had already arisen at his tone, as he was at least 10 years younger than us, and I asked him who he was. Boodles security.
In my internal fantasy world, I'd have given the insolent fellow a sound thrashing, but back in the real world I merely retorted that in this case I'd just go and rob a different branch of their firm. I would have taken it further, but my wife didn't want a scene. His parting shot was 'Enjoy the rest of your day, young man'.
From his manner and appearance, I'd guess at retired policeman, arrogant and sarcastic.
But seriously, from what I've just read on Google, provided one is stood on public property, one can photograph whatever one likes, withing obvious reason. Or have I inadvertantly visited the USSR or North Korea by accident ?
And maybe Boodles ought to have a word with Google about Street View.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@53.1906839,-2.8895821,3a,49.3y,125.79h,85.18t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1srgs5fb8HzvmRXdiigV6w_g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1
RichardPitman
Caravanner