Venue workers to be screened amid terror lockdown
WORKERS at Glasgow’s music venues are to be searched and screened following the Manchester terror attack.
The news comes as Ariana Grande’s concerts at London’s O2 Arena today and tomorrow have been cancelled.
Police across Scotland are also working 12-hour shifts to support the country’s operational response to the increased terror threat level, the Evening Times can reveal.
Specialist resources and departments have moved to the longer shift patterns “until further notice” a source said, while a Police Scotland spokeswoman said the decision “remains under constant review”.
Staff preparing for gigs, including at the Barrowland and Hydro over the next few days, will be undergoing extra security checks before being allowed in to the venues.
They include people who load an unload equipment and instruments belonging to bands, and set up the stage ready for performances.
Over the next few days, a lineup of major events are due to take place in the city including the Lisbon Lions anniversary concert tonight, with rockers Kiss and comic Micky Flanagan set to perform.
Concert promoters are thought to have requested the extra searches, with contracted crew workers agreeing to comply.
The SEC said all their employed staff have been vetted already and would not be required to undergo the extra scrutiny unless it was requested specifically by a touring band or act, but the picture may be different for contractors.
A source told the Evening Times that crews have been warned to be on their guard and act if they see anything unusual.
The senior backstage events worker said: “We’ve been told all the crew will be searched on their way in. Everyone has asked to be extra vigilant and basically just be on our toes.
“The music industry has to stand up and give all it can to make sure that terrorists do not win.
“We can’t let these people suffer and die from going to a concert, it’s not fair. If we stop doing these events, we are letting terrorism win.
“Everyone receives health and safety training, we are all aware of what we have to do if something like this ever happened in Glasgow.
“It doesn’t stop everyone thinking ‘What if this was in Glasgow, how would we deal with it?’
“You just automatically think that when you work in the industry.”
SEC bosses confirmed last night that concert-goers will be subject to full body and bag searches, similar to the measures introduced for the weekend’s Scottish Cup Final game.
In a statement, organisers warned visitors to expect long waits to get in to the SECC, Armadillo and Hydro venues. Entry to the facilities will also be restricted at certain points, with only ticket holders being allowed entry to specific areas.
A spokeswoman said: “Only small bags (35cm x 40cm) will be permitted into The SSE Hydro and The Armadillo. Larger bags may be checked into the cloakroom in the SEC Centre and will be searched.”
nn Fotheringham – Page 20.