Nightclub bouncers are now being trained to defend against terror attacks

A new initiative by authorities in the UK will aim to train bouncers at nightclubs and music venues, as well as private security guards at various public spaces, in order to help prevent terror attacks.

With the threat level in Britain currently set at “severe”, meaning an attack is likely, police and other government agencies are taking necessary steps to ensure those with the ability to protect are properly prepared.

At the National Security Summit earlier this week, the Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner spoke about the "untapped potential" of the security force, according to Newseek:

“Vigilance in the public space is critical, and there are many, many more private security guards out there than there are police officers… We are looking at how we train them more effectively to be a better part of the national armory that we have against terrorism.”

In recent years, ISIS-inspired groups and individuals have targeted concerts and nightclubs, like the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester back in May, the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando in 2016 and the Paris attacks in 2015. On June 3 this year, an attack in London occurred and a nightclub bouncer was reported to have helped fight off the three men who had killed eight people.

The police are now developing a plan to train security personnel, although details of the plan have yet to surface.

Harrison is Mixmag's East Coast Editor. Follow him on Twitter here