Hospitality and pub organisations remained unruffled by the Metropolitan Police call to mobilise businesses in the war against terrorism this week.
The Life Savers campaign urges the general public to report any suspicious activity to a confidential anti-terrorist hotline (0800 789 321). And because would-be terrorists need accommodation, money and vehicles, police are keen to enlist the vigilance of hoteliers, bankers and car dealers.
The campaign follows warnings by Metropolitan police commissioner Sir John Stevens that an attack on London is "inevitable" after the Madrid bombing. Pubs, clubs, trains and buses have all been highlighted as potential targets.
Bob Cotton, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, stressed that while hotels, clubs and restaurants had already proved to be frontline targets, everybody was now a potential terrorist target.
"The only way is for the whole population to be as vigilant as possible," he said.
The British Beer and Pub Association is urging members to increase the security measures they already have in place.
Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 25 - 31 March 2004