A “severe” threat level means a terrorist attack is considered highly likely.
The development comes just weeks after the publication of new guidance around Martyn’s Law, which will require venues to improve preparedness and protective procedures against potential terror incidents.
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Allen Simpson, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “The increase to the UK terror threat level starkly shows the threat to the UK’s Jewish community. I am aware of at least two attacks against Jewish hospitality businesses in recent months and, sadly, there will be more examples against other venues run by minority groups that we are not aware of.”
He added UKHospitality was developing resources to help operators support staff and customers while improving venue security and preparedness.
“Hospitality is a uniquely diverse sector, with businesses, staff and customers from across society,” he said.
‘Ever vigilant’
A spokesperson for Greene King said: “The safety and wellbeing of our customers and team members is our number one priority day in, day out.
“We remain ever vigilant to ensure this and have good systems in place to respond efficiently to changing situations as and when necessary.”
Operators said the raised threat level was unlikely to change day-to-day trading but would reinforce the importance of staff awareness, communication and operational planning.
Tim Skinner, owner and operator of The Devonshire Arms in Soho, said: “At The Devonshire Arms we’re obviously mindful of the increased threat level, particularly operating in central London where footfall is consistently high, but pubs also have to remain welcoming community spaces rather than feel intimidating or over-securitised.”
Skinner said the focus was less on visible operational changes and more on internal preparedness.
“We’ve revisited procedures with the team around reporting concerns, monitoring busy trading periods, managing queues and maintaining clear communication channels during peak times,” he said.
“A well-run pub already relies heavily on situational awareness from experienced teams, and that becomes even more important in periods like this.”
Skinner added that while customer behaviour had not materially changed, operators were increasingly conscious of balancing hospitality with wider public safety responsibilities.
Martyn’s Law
The raised threat level also comes as operators continue to assess the future impact of Martyn’s Law, which received Royal Assent last year and is currently in its implementation period.
Under the legislation, venues with a capacity of 200 or more people will be required to introduce procedures aimed at reducing the risk of harm during a terror incident.
Skinner said: “Martyn’s Law is an important step in principle, particularly around improving awareness and planning, but there’s also understandable concern within hospitality about ensuring implementation is proportionate, practical and properly supported for venues of different sizes.”
He added that smaller independent operators may find evolving compliance requirements more difficult to navigate alongside ongoing cost pressures.
A spokesperson for British Beer and Pub Association said: “We continue to provide our members with guidance and information about how to operate a safe pub for their staff and customers.”
