READING Pubwatch has held its latest training seminar aimed at helping businesses protect themselves and customers from security threats.
Pubwatch members attended a training seminar held at the Council Offices training in conjunction with the National Counter Terrorism Security Office and Reading Borough Council (RBC), and offers valuable guidelines as well as training.
Business representatives attended from across the hospitality and retail sectors, alongside the Business Improvement Districts, Thames Valley Police, and Reading Borough Council, who provided a range of advice and support.
It followed attendees taking part in a compulsory interactive online Action Counter Terrorism awareness course.
It also included a presentation on the Prevent initiative, which explored how authorities identify individuals at risk of radicalisation and how they are supported.
Bill Donne, honorary secretary of Reading Pubwatch, following the seminar
said: “This is now the twentieth year that we have been running this annual event and is particularly apposite given that ‘Martyn’s Law’, more formally known as The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2005, received Royal Assent in April of this year.”
“Whilst the guidance for the Act is not expected to be published for some time yet, the Counter Terrorism seminar gave some great insights of issues that licensed premises that operators should consider in making premises safe against a potential attack.”
“Given the current threat level in the UK is Substantial, which means an attack is likely, it is important that venue operators have contingency plans in place not only for what to do if an attack occurs but for the post event consequences to the wellbeing of staff members involved.”
“Owners were recommended to check your business insurance that it covers for the loss of earnings and damage to your property from a terrorist attack.”
He also extended Pubwatch’s thanks to George Friel (RBC) and officers from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and Reading Borough Council.
Pubwatch member Tim Hooper, proprietor of Milk Bar in Reading said “I found the training seminar very interesting and that it emphasised the importance of being prepared for a potential terrorist attack.”
