to wonder why the hell these people were told not take photos?

[CrazyPlateLady]

Went in town last night for the lights switching on.

Me and DS were stood looking at a Christmas tree in the shopping centre, DH had nipped in a shop. There was a woman standing in front of the tree holding her child while her DP took a photo. I wasn't 100% sure but 99% that a woman (someone who worked in the shopping centre, had a suit on and looked vaguely official) came over to them and told them they weren't allowed to take photos!!!

As I wasn't 100% sure that is was she said, I didn't say anything (and wouldn't have anyway) but I am almost certain that is what was said as the couple stopped posing, put the camera away and moved off.

I told DH when he came out, so obviously he lined DS up and took a photo of him next to the tree. Another family were doing the same. The woman didn't come over, I couldn't see her anywhere but there was a sercurity guard hovering around and watching us and he kept walking past. I really was expecting him to say something (to which I would have asked why) but he didn't. It was a lovely picture too btw.

Why the hell can't people take a picture of themselves in front of a sodding xmas tree?!

Because it's in a shopping centre.

I think it's to do with taking photos of stores without their consent?

I've been accosted in shopping centres before for taking snaps of shop fronts (it's job-related, don't worry). Got asked to leave on in Ireland :) Some shopping centres are really anxious about security and security guards can be a bit jobsworth at the best of times.

Oh good grief!!!!

Is that really the reason? I thought it was going to be something ridiculous about not having other people in the background or something.

These people (and us) were clearly taking a photo of our children in front of the tree, that was in an open space. The shop fronts were quite a bit further away.

I think the rationale has to do with criminal activity & terrorism i.e. casing the place. And corporate espionage (such as the type I engage in) is rife! Blanket ban easier to enforce than having lots of exceptions. Security guards sounded like they weren't being too heavy-handed in the end.