Pubs on London Marathon hopeful of trouble free event in wake of Boston bombings
Many London pubs rely on big profits from the event, scheduled for the 21 April, as thousands fill the roads to watch the famous race. There has been a question over whether crowds will turn out in the same numbers after the Boston tragedy.
Shepherd Neame owned pub, the Spanish Galleon in Greenwich has been told by local police to expect added security measures on the day as it sits by the Cutty Sark.
Manager Bruno Mahsoudi does not believe his pub will be financially affected, and is planning on approaching the day as he does every year. ”I don’t believe it will affect our sales. People have been training all year for the marathon after all, and they’re still going to turn up for the race,” he said.
“I remember after the 9/11 attacks people were worried, but the event was still very successful. We will of course be especially vigilant, but really we’re just relying on the expertise of the police.”
Hall & Woodhouse pub the St Stephens Tavern sits opposite parliament in Westminster is planning to open for the day.
Manager Josh Metzner said: “It’s always been a great and extremely busy day for all the staff and visitors. It’s chaos, but in a good way,” said Metzner.
“Fingers crossed it will be the same this year, but I imagine we will tell everyone to be extra vigilant.”
Charlie McVeigh’s owner of the Draft House pub chain, is relishing another marathon day in London.
“We’re just hoping we’re as insanely busy as usual” he said
Sports minister Hugh Robertson has confirmed that the event will go ahead as planned; although police have re-evaluated security issues.
London mayor Boris Johnson has also spoken to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe about the possibility of extra security for the London Marathon.
“We do have robust security measures in place for Sunday’s London Marathon, but given events in Boston it’s only prudent for the police and the organisers of Sunday’s race to re-examine those security arrangements,” he said.
