Epsom and Walton Downs Conservators came to the unanimous decision to allow barbecues to be included as part of the August Bank Holiday, Derby Day, and Ladies Day events. The plan is that, after these three race meets, the conservators will be provided with a detailed report on the success of the scheme, and the decision about whether to make the barbecues permanent or not will then be made.
Major events such as these meets are often promoted through the use of bulk flyer printing supplied by shops in Epsom.
For safety reasons, the barbecues will all be ones with legs or a pedestal to keep them off the ground, and staff members who are trained to use fire equipment will be employed to further guarantee that everyone is kept safe.
According to Surrey Live, the Jockey Club meeting vice-chair Simon Durrant stated:
“It’s our responsibility as event organisers to ensure the correct safe use of the barbecue and more importantly the disposal of (them).”
For those reasons, it was agreed to trial the idea, with the final decision to be made next September.