Issue - meetings

To review the use of barbecues during 2025 race meetings and receive an application from Epsom Downs Racecourse for the use of barbecues at events throughout 2026.

The Conservators received a review of the use of barbecues during 2025 race meetings and an application from Epsom Downs Racecourse for the use of barbecues at events throughout 2026.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Sustainable Charcoal. A Member of the Conservators flagged para 6.3.2 which talks about using sustainably produced charcoal and suggests the Jockey Club may want to look into it. The Member asked if the Jockey Club have looked into it and would they consider using it. The Vice Chair confirmed that the Jockey Club would certainly be considering it for the future and will ensure the sustainability team are made aware. Another Member suggested that the Jockey Club could use charcoal makers on Epsom Common. The Chair noted the comments.

Following consideration, the Conservators unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Note the success of the Barbecue Scheme during 2025 race meetings.

(2)      Grant Epsom Downs Racecourse permission to allow the use of barbeques at race meetings throughout 2026, namely Ladies Day, The Derby and the August Bank Holiday race meetings.

(3)      Nominate and authorise the Clerk to the Conservators, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Epsom and Walton Downs Conservators, to consider and grant permission to any future continuation of the Barbecue Scheme, subject to no material issues or concerns having been raised during the preceding season.