Report of the Chief Executive – Alexandra Palace
Minutes:
RECEIVED the report of Duncan Wilson, APP Chief Executive, on the security review following the Lock & Load event on 25/26 November 2011. The full list of recommendations were provided in the report, and it was proposed that the outcomes of the report would be used when organising future events. Mr Wilson introduced Brian Cleary, Sygma Representative, to present the report findings.
AGREED that standing orders be suspended to enable Mr Cleary to address the Board.
NOTED:
· A full review had been conducted, taking into account information from a variety of sources – Promoter, Contractors, Alexandra Palace staff and the Police had been contacted and interviewed where appropriate.
· Sygma were of the opinion that the deaths were due to ‘lifestyle choice’ and not as a result of any actions, omissions, failings or mal-practice on the part of any employees, management or Directors of Alexandra Palace Trading Limited (APTL), Lock & Load, or any contractors present at the event.
· There were some organisational issues on the night, and recommendations for future events had been passed onto staff at Alexandra Palace.
· In response to a question from the Board, Mr Wilson explained that the recommendation to not rebook another Lock & Load event was not because there was no confidence in the management of the event, but that the particular event carried a higher risk. Mr Cleary commented that the Press had published details of the event, the deaths and had named both Alexandra Palace and the Promoter in the articles – another Lock & Load event at the Palace could damage the reputation of APTL and any minor incident would be blown out of proportion. Mr Wilson added that APTL would not rule out re-booking an event with the same promoter, but would not re-book another Lock & Load event. All future bookings would be judged on their own merits.
· Following comments on social networking sites with regards to inadequate searches, Mr Cleary had interviewed the promoter and security team who had been advised that targeted searches on patrons should be carried out. All bags were searched on entry and there were two CCTV cameras in the entrance area. However, Mr Cleary did have one criticism in that there were only two search lanes, rather than four. Mr Wilson added that the security package as a whole was being reviewed and a report would be provided to the Board in due course.
· In response to a question from the Board, Mr Wilson agreed that APTL would report back to the Board in three months time with an update on the progress of implementing the extra measures.
RESOLVED
i) that it be agreed that Alexandra Palace Trading Limited (APTL) be recommended as a matter of policy not to take further bookings for this particular event;
ii) that the critical review by APTL of whether similar such events shall be included in future programmes, given enhanced event management and security procedures be supported;
iii) that approval be given to the strengthening of the APTL events team by enhanced training, review of documentation and appointment of an additional events manager, subject to detailed approval by APTL.
iv) That APTL report back via the Chief Executive, Alexandra Palace to this Board in approx three months with an update on the progress of implementing the extra measures as a result of the findings of the Independent Security Review.
The Chair advised that Standing Orders were now reinstated.