Lez
I'm not sure why you are trying to quote something irrelevant, its already been said, ad nauseaum, that a shopping center is not a public place, its privately owned.
The guidelines simply do not apply to it.
Secondly, the guidelines aren't that accurate, there being no mention of the Official Secrets Acts, which cover a lot more than just ANY military establishment, signed as such or otherwise.
So can we get back to the point please?
Simon
The photographer isn't always in the wrong, just as they are often not in the right either. The simple fact is that here we have, as we usually do, one side not both.
Having had to deal with security guards, I am not sure I'd accept the Centre's management explanation at face value either. From my experience in dealing with security Guards they work to process. ie everything they deal with has a black and white proccedure to deal with it.
If it says in their rules in those circumstances no photos in the shopping centre, and if someone argues call police, then thats what they do. Deviation from that means loss of job, so in their position, I expect you'd do the same too.
As I said previously, if the landlord, owner or their agent say no photos, then thats that. Its the same as it's always been, in that they are free to set up their own rules. No ones rights have been eroded, changed or removed.
Was it the same during PIRA's campaigns? yes, it was. I was certainly stopped and asked what I was doing during that time, I gave an explanation, and was allowed to get on with it. So, no rights freedoms or privileges at risk there. I've been stopped and asked what I'm doing 6 or 7 times over recent years, again, quick explanation, end of issue. I was then allowed to carry on, no restriction or removal of my so called rights there then either.
I know of no friend of mine that has been prevented from taking photos in public and where the OSA doesn't apply. Yes, I've read about people who say they have been. Are all of those telling the whole truth? I doubt it, some probably are, but not all. So this 'problem' is more perception then reality. In this case, I'm afraid, its hard luck, private property, you have not, and never have had a leg to stand on. Move on, there's nothing new here.