Hospitality venues in Manchester to receive counter-terrorism training
They'll be advised on how premises can identify security vulnerabilities, and how to identify and respond to suspicious behaviour
Businesses in Manchester are learning how to improve security and safety measures in a bid to prevent potential terror attacks.
As part of Manchester City Council’s commitment to public safety and the principles of Martyn’s Law, a free counter-terrorism training event is taking place.
In January 2020 Manchester City Council voted to enshrine Martyn’s Law in future licensing procedures.
Today a number of hospitality venues will be given training, which will include how premises can identify security vulnerabilities, and how to identify and respond to suspicious behaviour.
Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett who died in the Manchester Arena terror attack and now a passionate safety campaigner, will also be attending to speak to representatives of the hospitality venues.
She created Martyn’s Law, named in memory of Martyn, which refers to a set of principles aimed at improving safety and security measures at public places.
- A requirement that spaces and places to which the public have access engage with freely available counter-terrorism advice and training.
- A requirement for those places to conduct vulnerability assessments of their operating places and spaces.
- A requirement for those places to mitigate the risks created by the vulnerabilities.
- A requirement for those places to have a counter-terrorism plan.
- A requirement for local authorities to plan for the threat of terrorism.
Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Sadly we live in an age where acts of terror are carried out against ordinary people. Manchester bears the scars of past terror attacks and it is this collective memory which urges us to prevent such traumatic events happening again.
“There is nothing we can do to erase the events of the past, but we can take steps to protect against future ones. We know that in the event of terror attacks being prepared is key which is why we’re extending free training to hospitality venues across the city.
“We pray staff will never need to use the knowledge they gain but we would be failing in our duty as a Council if we do not act now.”