Trust Defends Chiswick House Booze Rules

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Regulation part of premises licence and intended to deter antisocial behaviour

Signs stating that only alcohol bought from the Cafe can be consumed in Chiswick House Grounds grounds has caused uproar amongst the picnicking community of W4.

"For years we've enjoyed many a nice lazy picnic in the park in the Summer with friends and a bottle of vino," wrote one on the forum. "Does anyone know what's caused this sudden change of heart?"

Responding to this question, Chiswick House and Gardens Trust Director Sarah Finch-Crisp told ChiswickW4.com: "I understand we had an incident with a drunken person taken ill in the park and concern about this triggered the signs going up."

She continued: "The regulation isn’t a new rule but has always been part of our London Borough of Hounslow Premises Licence and is intended to deter antisocial behaviour.

"It doesn’t apply to all organised events like the opera where bringing a picnic is encouraged as part of the event and we do not want to cause confusion over this and will therefore not sign this particular regulation so prominently."

May 5, 2011