Issue - meetings

To review the use of barbecues during 2022 race meetings and receive an application from Epsom Downs Racecourse for the use of barbecues at next year’s events.

The Conservators received a report presenting a review of the use of barbecues during 2022 race meetings and an application from Epsom Downs Racecourse for the use of barbecues at 2023 events.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Climate change considerations. In response to a question from a Member, Simon Durrant informed the Conservators that there were no specific actions proposed by the Racecourse in relation to climate change implications of the use of barbeques at race meetings at present, and that the number of barbeques used in 2022 was very small.

b)            Management of barbeques. Simon Durrant informed the Conservators of the measures taken by the Racecourse in order to control the use of barbeques on the approved dates. The Conservators were informed that due to the risks created by the high temperatures, the Racecourse had not permitted the use of barbeques, during the 2022 August Bank Holiday. It was noted that barbeques on the Downs at racing events were managed by the Racecourse staff, with no involvement from the Downskeepers.

c)            Nature of application. The Conservators noted that the application submitted by Epsom Downs Racecourse was to permit barbeques at Ladies Day, The Derby and the August Bank Holiday Race meetings in 2023 in two controlled areas.

d)            Historical context. Andrew Cooper informed the Conservators that for a period of many years barbeques had been permitted at racing events on the Downs and were widespread. Mr Cooper informed the Conservators that this had changed a number of years ago following a different interpretation of the Downs Byelaws by Council Officers.

Following consideration, the Conservators unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Note the success of the Barbecue Scheme during 2022 race meetings.

(2)      Grant Epsom Downs Racecourse permission to use barbeques at specific race meetings throughout 2023, namely Ladies Day, The Derby and the August Bank Holiday.