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Carluccio’s PR Policy
By chris dalby | July 9, 2008
I have seen issues of photography police popping up on twitter a lot recently. People talking of experiences where they had been confronted by security staff and prevented from taking photographs in seesmingly public spces. But it had never happened to me until tonight.
I went to Carluccio’s for a meal with my wife and decided to go and video some of the sparkling goodies on display. Within seconds I was literally pounced upon by two members of staff.
I was gobsmacked. And this felt like a well rehearsed and vindictive process.
Honestly, Carluccio, I left your place feeling dirty. I was told the PR guys don’t allow it. Well tell them to get a life and get with the 20th century. No, wait…
[Update - 9th July 2008]
I had a look around Carluccio’s website after writing this blog post and decided to email the MD to pass on my thoughts. I’m not going to reprint the email, but I got an apology for being treated in such a manner and he assured me that he also discussed this with staff at the restaurant so they understand this.
I’d like to say thanks for a quick response. It would be great to see a comment on this blog from someone within Carluccio’s as to whether this means photography is banned within Carluccio’s or whether they simply are resolving to deal with refusing photography in a more delicate manner. I’m still unclear on this.
Going back to the original issue, I find it hard to understand how photographs or footage taken within Carluccio’s can have any negative impact unless there is something to hide. Is the issue that the products can’t be filmed, or would the same approach be taken if I whipped my phone out and started taking photos at a meal with my family? Most people generally have a phone with a camera and video nowadays. Many people take photos of items so they can ask friends or family to help choose at a later time. It just so happens I regularly get my phone out to take videos or photos wherever I am, most of the time.
What’s not to like about people in the US, or around the world, finding out about a restaurant and deli that they never heard of and seeing the great products on offer? Which is what happened when i posted this video on phreadz last night.