Like other posters, I understand the reasons for this policy, however it does not excuse this type of jackbooted behaviour by cabin crew.
I don't believe that BA employ FAs that are so thick that they don't know and understand the rules and how they are supposed to be applied. I think it more likely that this sort of behaviour is a cheap revenge for not being able to carry out their Christmas strike, similar to the "throwing away vintage wine and unused travel packs" stories we have been hearing. A sort of "work to rule" in the most bloody-minded way possible. Shows how pi55ed off they are - unfortunately pi55ing off the paying customers as well is not the recommended method of keeping your job!
UFO