1/6/25: Story and photograph courtesy of Reading Pubwatch
Reading Pubwatch members attended a training seminar held at the Council Offices, in conjunction with the National Counter Terrorism Security Office and Reading Borough Council (RBC).
Attendees for this annual event were from the Hospitality and Retail sectors, together with representatives from the BID, Thames Valley Police and Reading Borough Council. They were given support and advice on how to prevent and deal with terrorism attacks in their businesses.
Prior to attending the seminar delegates were required to complete the free interactive online e-learning Action Counter Terrorism (ACT) awareness course before enrolling on the seminar found at:
https://www.protectuk.police.uk/group/84?tour=1
There was a presentation on the ‘Prevent’ initiative describing the work being conducted by the authorities to identify individuals who are at risk of becoming radicalised with extremist views and the support that can be provided.
Following the seminar Bill Donne, honorary secretary of Reading Pubwatch said:
“This is now the twentieth year that we have been running this annual event and is particularly appropriate 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 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 their business insurance to see if it covers for loss of earnings and damage to your property from a terrorist attack.”
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.”
We are grateful to George Friel (RBC) and officers from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and Reading Borough Council for providing this informative and engaging course.