Manchester Arena licence changes ‘not robust enough’

Officials from Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Police have said that proposed new changes to Manchester Arena's licence are ‘not robust enough’ to deal with terrorist threats.

Promotor SMG has applied to overhaul the venue’s operating conditions for the first time since the May 2017 terrorist attack. However, both the city council and Greater Manchester Police have said they would not approve the changes because of fears they did not address the findings of the ongoing inquiry into the attack.

It has been reported that they believe that improved staff training, more CCTV, increased first aid provisions and event-by-event risk assessments were all needed if the licence was to be approved.

In a written objection to the application, PC Alan Isherwood urged for written risk management plans and for CCTV to be in operation at all times, rather than simply when the venue is open.

The Manchester Arena Inquiry was opened in September last year and remains ongoing. The application is due to be considered by the licensing subcommittee on 11 October.