Don't let your pub be a target

It was just after 6.30pm, with the pub bustling with punters looking forward to a bank holiday weekend, when the nail bomb went off. The explosion ripped through the building, its deadly blast killing two innocent people and seriously injuring scores more.

This was the scene in the Admiral Duncan in Soho, London, on April 30 in 1999. It was the third pub in two weeks to fall victim to a lone neo-Nazi bomber, who had singled out licensed premises as vulnerable targets for a campaign of destruction.

It illustrates the genuine risk of pubs becoming the prey of bombers. Thankfully, eight years have passed since this most recent high-profile pub attack. Yet the terrorist threat to pubs is still very much on the agenda. The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) has announced that it is to produce a guide for licensees on how the trade can protect itself against terrorist activity.

The guide, to be released in spring, follows a warning from a counter-terrorism chief to the audience at the National Pubwatch Conference to be on its guard against possible terrorist attacks. DC Jim Maietta of NaCTSO provided advice at the event in February on practical measures that pubs should be taking as precautions.

These included reviewing the use of litter bins, adding laminated glazing and anti-shatter film to windows, and ensuring emergency escapes are kept secure when not in use.

Do pubs take it seriously?

These all make sound sense, but are pubs - with countless other considerations on their minds - actually instigating them? Are licensees taking the threat of terrorism seriously enough?

A recent Publican poll revealed the majority of readers do not worry about terrorist attacks, and others have labelled this kind of discussion scaremongering.

About time, then, to check what the realities of pubs' stance on terrorism are.

There is certainly agreement that Maietta's recommended precautions are well worth taking, and that the terrorist threat is a real one. However, many pubcos recognise there is much room for the trade to improve in this area.

Chorley-based national pub company Trust Inns is considering introducing training for its tenants focused on counter-terrorism. It has run articles on the subject in its magazine for licensees, but marketing and promotions manager Marianne Rose asks: "How many people really sit down, read and remember that?"

She adds: "There's a threat in any public place. Pubs are part of that, so licensees should be aware. Terrorists could strike when we least expect it."

Punch Taverns has developed a 'crisis process manual', which includes procedures for evacuation and vigilance. If there is a specific terrorist threat, communication is distributed within the business, and instructions issued accordingly as to what people need to do.

A spokesman says: "Punch Taverns takes the threat from terrorism very seriously and we urge our staff and retailers to be vigilant at all times."

Managed operator Mitchells & Butlers was last year represented at a senior level on Operation Griffin, a joint industry and government body established to consider ways in which businesses and authorities can work more closely together in the event of a terrorist attack.

A spokeswoman said the company "continually reviews" security procedures.

Capital training

Soho Clubs and Bars (SC&B), meanwhile, issues each of its 10 venues in London's West End with a training manual entitled Advice to Venues on Reducing the Risks of Terrorism.

"In the capital city there is a risk, albeit small, that our venues may be the target of, or be located close to, terrorist activity," a spokeswoman for the group explains. Although sympathetic with those who talk of 'scaremongering', SC&B has a duty to recognise that there is a risk which cannot be ignored."

Security staff and managers of the group's sites are permitted to randomly screen customers' hand baggage and each venue is equipped with CCTV - as part of security measures that more broadly include many of those recommended by Maietta.

The SC&B spokeswoman admitted, however, that: "There is always more that can be done and SC&B will constantly be monitoring any new safety measures that come into effect. For example, SC&B is currently considering adding laminated glazing and anti-shatter film to windows on the advice of the NaCTSO Office."

This evidence that many pubs are taking the threat of terrorism seriously impresses Maietta.

He told The Publican​: "Although there is no specific threat to pubs, bars and clubs, the threat of terrorist attack in the UK remains real and serious."

He stresses once again a number of simple measures that any licensee should be taking:

- Search your premises (inside and out) before, during and after opening hours

- Remain vigilant during opening hours

- Clearly communicate evacuation responsibilities and roles to staff, clearly define routes and exits well and regularly exercise evacuation plans

- If you operate a CCTV system, ensure that the date and time stamps are accurate, the system is well maintained and recorded images are clearly identifiable and retained for at least 31 days

- Report suspicious activity, vigilant staff will notice suspicious activity and behaviour

- If you have suspicions about somebody's activities or behaviour, call the Anti-Terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321. If you have information that requires an urgent or immediate police response, always dial 999.

There are certainly steps that can be taken, and most in the trade agree that taking such precautions does not mean bringing irresponsible sensation to a non-existent threat. Nobody wants to see scenes like those in the Admiral Duncan again.

Does the terrorist threat put you off drinking in the pub?

David Jones, 37​

Consultant from Farnham, Surrey (originally from New York)​

"I don't really think about terrorism too much, and I've not once thought about it when I'm in a pub. As with the IRA, anything is a target, but in Central London, my biggest concern in the pub is having stuff nicked."

David Gillespie, 40​

Professional golfer from Edinburgh​

"I was down in London when the nail bomb went off [in the Admiral Duncan, Soho, in 1999], and have been in Manchester when there was fear over the IRA. People should always be 100 per cent vigilant, and have to take responsibility for themselves."

Anthony Coyle, 51​

Builder and ex-bar bar manager from Waterloo, London​

"Pubs have always been a target since the 1960s and 1970s. I've never worried about terrorist threats in the slightest, and I don't think that people in pubs worry, because they go there to relax. I've noticed a few pubs don't obstruct exits like they used to, and keep more exits available.

"If an attack happens, it makes people think differently for a very short period of time. Perhaps women worry for longer than men."

The view from the British Beer & Pub Association

The BBPA is working with NaCTSO on the guidance due for release in spring. Spokesman Neil Williams says: "Pubs don't always maintain vigilance. We need more straightforward advice from experts such as NaCTSO.

"Pubs should keep their security arrangements under review and keep on top of the latest advice. We will be making sure the new guidance is as widely distributed as possible."