Public disorder – standing advice and guidance for businesses
As part of regular reviews of business procedures around staff and customer safety, UKHospitality has previously developed an online hub to signpost businesses towards advice and guidance that may be helpful to review in the event of public disorder situations.
This is structured around business advice, practical and economic support, safety and public areas, and wellbeing for staff and operators.
In cases of serious disorder or rioting, follow police advice and ensure your risk assessment for such events is enacted (and up to date, reviewed regularly) and all staff know what to do in this situation.
The Metropolitan Police Advice for Businesses during protests can be found here, which contains further advice.
Safety and prevention
Each premises will be different, but some points you may wish to consider:
The primary focus is to keep staff and customers safe and, if necessary, invac or evac as appropriate (see below).
Premises should be adequately staffed with prominent management present who can make themselves identifiable to police in the event of an incursion.
Don't use outside or pavement areas, if there are early indications of a protest. Street furniture, tables or chairs should also be cleared away.
High value or movable stock should be removed or cleared out of sight.
Where in place, security or door staff should have a visible presence on the premises.
Ensure that all staff are fully briefed on your risk assessment and plan.
Consider minimising the number of entry points to your premises.
Ensure building perimeters are clear of any debris, dustbins, ladders or loose tools and equipment that could assist entry.
Check that your emergency equipment, grab bags, first aid supplies and radio communications systems are stocked and fully operational.
There’s a range of safety advice that’s available on ProtectUK (national police resource for anti-terrorism) for businesses and the public which is applicable whenever people need protecting.
Even when events are violent crime, disorder and criminal damage, rather than terrorism offences, the following advice is potentially useful – especially around evacuation and invacuation of premises.
Please bear in mind that your local police should always be the first port of call especially if people have any immediate concerns.
Local liaison
Ahead of any potential disorder arising in a specific town or city centre, liaising with other businesses, police and local authorities is important.
One of most effective ways to link up with all of these stakeholders is via one or more local partnership schemes operating in your area. You may already be part of such a scheme, to check what’s in your area visit:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Insurance and financial support
The Riot Compensation Act 2016 (RCA) gives victims of criminal damage or loss during a riot the right to compensation. It is designed to allow communities to recover quickly from the impact of rioting.
If your property is not adequately insured, you can claim compensation under this Act from the local police claims authority.
- 1
You must report and log riot-related damage or loss to the police as soon as possible after the event.
- 2
If you hold insurance for property that is damaged or stolen in a riot, you must claim via your insurance company first.
- 3
You can only submit an RCA claim for these items if all or part of your insurance claim is rejected.
- 4
If you are an owner of a building affected by a riot, you can claim for damage to the building’s structure.
- 5
If you are a tenant/occupier of an address affected by a riot, you can claim for your damaged/stolen contents.
You have 42 days to make your RCA claim from the date the riot ends. If you make an insurance claim first, you have 42 days to make your RCA claim from the date your insurer tells you that you are not fully covered.
For further details, please see the Government website here.
Payment impacts
If your business ceases trading as a result of riot activity, contact your suppliers/landlord/utility providers as soon as possible to update on the situation and potential assistance with delaying payments due and other support.
Wellbeing impacts
Large scale disorder and related violence will be distressing for staff and customers alike. Hospitality sector charities such as Hospitality Action and the Licensed Trade Charity operate free helplines and advice for you and your staff.
