undefined | Better HN

0 pointsberkes23d ago0 comments

Capacity may indeed be a reason for requiring advance bookings.

But it doesn't explain the ridiculous security (scanning gates, had to take off my hat and belt, insulin pump was inspected), the prohibition of "professional" photography equipment, prohibition of own food and drinks (again, diabetes, I want to carry some lemonade and a bar for emergency), etc etc.

Is it to counter terrorism? To boost consuming at the establishments? Or is it a lame excuse thats in reality just a higher bar to entry?

0 comments

14 comments · 6 top-level

fontain23d ago· 4 in thread

Have you visited The View from The Shard? A very expensive visit, with exactly the same security checks as Sky Garden. Security in tall buildings is high (even if that security is mostly theatre).

"Certain items cannot be brought into The View from The Shard including large bags and backpacks, over the size of 22 x 15 x 8 inches (55 x 38 x 20 cm) or other large equipment."

"We ask guests to walk through metal detectors, which use a low-frequency electromagnetic field to look for metal items."

https://www.theviewfromtheshard.com/frequently-asked-questio...

vidarh23d ago

The Shard has a hotel (Shangri La) with a separate entrance, and no security to get up to the 52nd floor Gong bar (as well as several other restaurants and bar from 30th floor and up)

Next door you need to go through a scanner to get up to the restaurants on the 31st and 32nd floor of the Shard.

Security in these buildings is very arbitrary. I can get that some of the more high profile places feel more of a need for security, and assume that anyone up to no good will perhaps not be the brightest of the bunch and/or will go for more symbolic targets, but still.

fontain23d ago

Right, the security is all theatre. My comparison is specifically to show that the security at Sky Garden (free) is not implemented to discourage free visitors when The View from The Shard charges lots of money and wants as many visitors as possible and has the same security.

1 more reply

ivory5432123d ago

This is also true for visitors to the offices located in the shard, it's very annoying to unload a overnight bag when trying to visit an office. I always wondered what the purpose was as regular employees skip the security queue

b11223d ago

If you graph obesity and excess security, especially these "metal detectors", there is correlation, thus we should all sue.

l23k423d ago· 3 in thread

> the prohibition of "professional" photography equipment

You want endless influencer photoshoots with professional lighting setups and whatnot?

sidewndr4622d ago

if that's what people want to do in public, sure.

stymaar23d ago

I mean it's open to the public, or it's not… And if the owner get a say on who can enter and who cannot, then it's not.

l23k422d ago

I have to agree with rjjejriridd on this one, despite their inappropriate tone.

Everyone knows "open to public" does not mean that you can operate a lemonade stand or conduct a professional photoshoot.

mr_toad23d ago· 1 in thread

> Is it to counter terrorism?

They’re worried that if there was an incident they might get sued for having inadequate security.

I’ve spent a lot of time going to places with security like this (airports, museums etc) and getting a belt with plastic buckles (you can get them at outdoor clothing stores) saves a lot of hassle.

GJim22d ago

Frankly, I take a perverse delight in going backwards and forwards, slowly taking off my belt, keys, watch, small change and finally, steel toe boots.

cucumber373284223d ago

>Is it to counter terrorism? To boost consuming at the establishments? Or is it a lame excuse thats in reality just a higher bar to entry?

Incentives align among all three.

dataengineer5622d ago

This has been the standard for most/all major tourist attractions for years now.

mytailorisrich22d ago

It's a mix of counter terrorism and of keeping the wrong crowd out.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse