There has been violent disorder in a variety of areas across the country since three young girls were killed in Southport last week.
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) referenced advice from the police to pub operators.
This included urging operators to be mindful that potential protests can occur anywhere despite the apparent formality of having a list of them.
General advice
The general advice also stated high value and portable goods are obvious targets, this can include alcohol stocks pubs may hold so advised for this to be secure or out of sight.
Suggested sensible precautions operators could take are keeping all glass containers cleared as soon as possible, not using outside spaces if there is early indication of a protest and clearing away any street furniture that could be used as missiles.
UKHospitality (UKH) recently launched a support hub for operators where similar advice was issued and has been recently updated in light of media reports that further protest activity could take place.
Teaming up
It advised to liaise with other businesses, police and local authorities via local partnership schemes such as Pubwatch, Best Bar None, Purple lag, Safer Business Network and Business Improvement Districts.
This advice included ensuring all staff are fully briefed on the risk assessment and plan. It also stated operators should consider minimising the number of entry points to the premises alongside ensuring building perimeters were clear as well as checking emergency equipment, grab bags, first aid supplies and radio communications systems were stocked and fully operational.
Both trade bodies also cited the Government’s compensation scheme for riot damage, which gives victims of criminal damage or loss during a riot the right to compensation.
