Police intervention in a dispute over riverside seating at three pubs in Chiswick, west London, has sparked debate about free speech and enforcement of licensing regulations. The Bulls Head, the City Barge, and the Bell & Crown were ordered by local authorities to remove outdoor furniture after it was discovered that none of the establishments held the appropriate licences for seating on the towpath, despite having placed the furniture there for decades.
The issue came to light when the Bulls Head applied to renew its pavement licence. Enforcement officers subsequently required the pubs to remove their chairs and tables, citing a lack of permission under the Highways Act for the use of public highway space. In response, regular patrons and local residents, including photographer Alastair Hilton, protested outside one of the pubs. Following these demonstrations, the council reversed its initial decision and began assisting the pubs in obtaining proper licences.
The situation escalated when two police officers confronted Hilton at the Bell & Crown. According to a video shared on Hilton’s X account, which has garnered over three million views, the officers warned him against organising protests targeting a specific councillor, who Hilton claimed was behind the outdoor seating ban. Rick Rowe, the Green Party councillor named, denied involvement in the decision to enforce the removal of pub furniture.
In the footage, an officer cautions Hilton about the legal implications of protesting outside a councillor’s residence, referencing Section 162 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which prohibits demonstrations near the homes of public officials. Hilton stated he had not planned any protests or encouraged visiting councillors’ homes, adding that the officers’ presence felt intimidating. He also recounted an earlier negative experience with the police when his daughter’s home on a nearby canal suffered damage, and authorities reportedly took no further action.
Rowe emphasized that he did not request the removal of outdoor seating and pointed out that enforcement decisions fall under the jurisdiction of the Labour-led Hounslow council. Amy Croft, Hounslow’s councillor responsible for infrastructure, enforcement, and recycling, said the council’s priority is to ensure that any structures or seating placed on public highways or riverside towpaths comply with legal requirements and do not obstruct access for pedestrians, wheelchair users, or emergency services. She affirmed the council’s intention to work constructively with the pubs to allow them to continue operating normally.
The Metropolitan Police stated they had received a report from an elected official alleging malicious communications, harassment, and concerns related to public order. The force said officers spoke informally with Hilton, advising him of legal restrictions related to protesting near public officials’ homes. The police clarified that Hilton was not under investigation and was not arrested. Hilton was contacted for further comment.