U.K. and Ireland - Olympic event security

I just got an email about one of my events which will be at the O2. They are warning us that it will be airport style security and that we should arrive 2 hours early. No liquids and only a single soft bag allowed.

From the email...

Be prepared for security checks when you arrive: this will be like taking an international flight at an airport. It will be busy, so aim to be at the venue up to two hours before your session starts. Please note: there will also be an additional search at the entry to the arena inside the venue, which is when your ticket will be scanned.

Bring as little as possible with you: one small soft-sided bag is allowed per person – this must fit under your seat. There are no storage facilities available. You can bring food, provided it fits in your bag, and an empty plastic water bottle to fill up inside the arena. You cannot bring in liquids over 100ml. Read the full list of prohibited and restricted items

Leave plenty of time to travel: London will be extremely busy and very different to what you’re used to. Use the spectator journey planner to plan your journey and, where necessary, book your travel in advance. When planning a return journey, be aware that sessions may end later than the scheduled finish time. Don’t forget your free Games Travelcard for London zones 1–9 on the day.

Remember the only way to pay is by Visa (debit, credit or prepaid card) or cash: for details of the services and facilities available in your venue, read the venue information online.

You may have to wait to enter the arena: unless your session is the first of the day, you won’t be able to enter the arena until all spectators from the previous session have left. You can visit the shops, bars and restaurants inside the venue while you wait – but the prohibited and restricted items lists still apply for entry into the arena and you will not be able to bring in take-away food purchased from these outlets.

It will be busy, so aim to be at the venue up to two hours before your session starts [...] You can visit the shops, bars and restaurants inside the venue while you wait

Bless. Just like Heathrow!

I just got a second email about an event at Earls Court. Same deal except this bit at the end...

Expect to queue to leave the venue: Volleyball is not a timed sport, so sessions may finish later than scheduled. Make sure you leave plenty of time to exit the venue and make your onward journey – especially if you’re going to another event afterwards – and think about using an alternative station such as West Kensington, Barons Court or Gloucester Road. It’s especially important to plan your onward travel if you have a ticket for a late session – night buses run from Hammersmith station, around a 20-minute walk away.

Do the dignitaries have to be searched to? Should be the same rules for everyone.

I gave away my ticket because I refuse to be groped and fondled :td:

Do the dignitaries have to be searched to? Should be the same rules for everyone.

I gave away my ticket because I refuse to be groped and fondled :td:

You bought a ticket expecting not to be? :confused:

I expect several of the "dignitaries" will be paying a hefty supplement precisely for such a service...

I expect several of the "dignitaries" will be paying a hefty supplement precisely for such a service...

Yeah, but probably not at the venue!

Do the dignitaries have to be searched to? Should be the same rules for everyone.

I gave away my ticket because I refuse to be groped and fondled :td:

No, minor "dignitaries" will have the bar code on their accreditation cards scanned then invited to walk around, not through, the metal detector.

Very high profile people like royals or prime minister won't have accreditation cards and will be escorted into the venue by police officers.

I thought you volunteered to be a games maker? In which case you will still be groped.

Is the 100ml liquid restriction anything to do with security of is it just to force you to pay a premium for Olympic park liquids inside the venue?

Is the 100ml liquid restriction anything to do with security of is it just to force you to pay a premium for Olympic park liquids inside the venue?

Well as there isn't any realistic security concern about a bottle of liquid, and of course no other sporting events have this restriction, I would have to say the reasons are to exhibit control of the public, and yes to sell high priced liquid refreshment. Sort of the same as what airports do.

Interesting, I haven't gotten anything, but I assume this applies to all of the venues. They sure aren't making this enjoyable or easy on anyone, are they? To get to the rowing venue, it's looking like it will take at least 1.5 hours. That session starts at 9:30, so I guess I should leave the hotel at 5?!?

Interesting, I haven't gotten anything, but I assume this applies to all of the venues. They sure aren't making this enjoyable or easy on anyone, are they? To get to the rowing venue, it's looking like it will take at least 1.5 hours. That session starts at 9:30, so I guess I should leave the hotel at 5?!?

Most of the notes are in the brochures that were sent out with the tickets in the UK.

Which venue and where are you staying?

no other sporting events have this restriction

The US Open held last month had airport style security which was broadly similar (albeit quite well organised).

Is the 100ml liquid restriction anything to do with security of is it just to force you to pay a premium for Olympic park liquids inside the venue?

There is a logic to saying "same as an airport" - except it isn't the same as an airport as the bag size is smaller and specified in a different way - one that will be difficult to enforce.

Neil

One way to get around the liquid restriction is to hide a camping water bladder under your shirt. It works at airports a treat :)

One way to get around the liquid restriction is to hide a camping water bladder under your shirt. It works at airports a treat :)

Gosh I guess it would, except when you pass through the new milliwave scanners. They would easily detect your bladder.

the DM moaning we have turned into a commie state!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2172430/Bottled-water-long-lens-cameras-Che-Guevara-t-shirts-banned-stadiums-London-Olympic-Games-crackdown.html

Most of the notes are in the brochures that were sent out with the tickets in the UK.

Which venue and where are you staying?

I'm just having a bit of a sarcastic moan. The event is at Eton Dorney, and we're staying in Chelsea. Looks like tube to Paddington, train then bus to event. I assume I'll get all of this info when I pick my tickets up. Good times.

no other sporting events have this restriction

All major cricket matches in India (internationals and IPL) have this restriction.

Well as there isn't any realistic security concern about a bottle of liquid, and of course no other sporting events have this restriction, I would have to say the reasons are to exhibit control of the public, and yes to sell high priced liquid refreshment. Sort of the same as what airports do.

The official restrictions are on liquids, aerosols and gels (http://www.london2012.com/mm/Document/Documents/General/01/25/44/10/Restrictionsonliquidsaerosolsandgels_Neutral.pdf) - and the implication from reading the list is that it's for the same reason that you can't bring similar quantities of liquids on aircraft - ie you might somehow contrive to make some sort of explosive out of it.

Food and drink seems to be priced on a par with event catering I've been to elsewhere. There's a sample menu here (http://www.london2012.com/mm/Document/Documents/General/01/25/68/39/SampleLondon2012menu_Neutral.pdf).
Bottled water – £1.60
Fairtrade tea – from £2.00
Fairtrade coffee – from £2.60
500ml bottle of Coca-Cola – £2.30
330ml bottle of Heineken – £4.20
London 2012 red wine 18.7cl – £4.80
You'll also be able to get Innocent smoothies and juices - though judging from the mark-ups on other products, probably for somewhere approaching £3.

remember - you're allowed to bring a packed lunch, there's free drinking water, and there's more to choose from than just McDonald's.

The official restrictions are on liquids, aerosols and gels (http://www.london2012.com/mm/Document/Documents/General/01/25/44/10/Restrictionsonliquidsaerosolsandgels_Neutral.pdf) - and the implication from reading the list is that it's for the same reason that you can't bring similar quantities of liquids on aircraft - ie you might somehow contrive to make some sort of explosive out of it.

Yes, but that is just plain stupid. Even if this mythical substance could be created, just get a bunch of your terrorist mates to each bring in 100ml of liquid. In a stadium it would be even easier than on an airplane. Lots more people and lots more space in the loo to mix chemicals.

Unfortunately, where there is a will there is a way. It's called security theatre; designed to reassure the masses and deter the opportunist. Not much you can do to stop the determined though.

Don't get a craving for chips (fries). McDonald's has been flexing its muscles, and it has been announced that only McDonald's will be allowed to sell single portions of chips. All of the other catering venues selling fish and chips, pies and chips etc have been told they are not allowed to sell chips on their own.

Don't get a craving for chips (fries). McDonald's has been flexing its muscles, and it has been announced that only McDonald's will be allowed to sell single portions of chips. All of the other catering venues selling fish and chips, pies and chips etc have been told they are not allowed to sell chips on their own.

The Guardian is reporting (http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/jul/11/mcdonalds-olympics-chips) that those working on the Opening and Closing ceremonies will be allowed chips...

I went to the "London Prepares" series of events eariler this year an attended events at the North Greenwich Arena (Gymnastics), the Aquatics Centre (Diving) and the Velodrome (Cycling in case you don't know what a velodrome is!)

At the Dome, there was no more security than on a normal concert night, ie, all bags searched, pat downs if selected.

At the Olympic Park, they were very quick in scanning everyone. For the Cycling we took in a packed dinner (M&S) and 2 frozen water bottles of 500ml each. It was 28c inside! There were signs up saying 100ml limits, and people were emptying them before security, but we didn't get pulled up on it. On the night of the Diving we actually ate at Stratfield (Stratford Westfield) as there's more choice there than what was open for the trials, and also cheaper!! Yes, it may be event pricing, but that's no reason to gouge people.

I've only managed to score tickets to events in the Excel centre for the Olympics so it will be interesting to see how they cope with the security there. I'm back at Olympic Park for the Paralympics and for each even I'll be getting there early to get through security etc. Patience is the key.

Don't get a craving for chips (fries). McDonald's has been flexing its muscles, and it has been announced that only McDonald's will be allowed to sell single portions of chips. All of the other catering venues selling fish and chips, pies and chips etc have been told they are not allowed to sell chips on their own.

McDonalds doesn't sell chips. It sells a strange, skinny, American approximation to chips. :)

Neil

Unfortunately, where there is a will there is a way. It's called security theatre; designed to reassure the masses and deter the opportunist. Not much you can do to stop the determined though.

There is a strength in saying "it's the same as an airport". Everyone who has travelled there by air, which will be a lot of them, will know what is and isn't allowed on a plane.

That said, I don't get why bags are being specified in litres. This will cause arguments. Why not a maximum size with a sizer per an airport? They know how big the space under the seat is.

Neil

Don't forget your Visa (or is it Mastercard? I genuinely can't remember) if you want to pay for your adjective-laden foodstuffs by card or withdraw cash.

Every new thing I learn about the Olympics makes me gladder and gladder I have nothing to do with the foul jamboree.

And if you want to know all about the security shambles, tune in to www.parliamentlive.tv now!

Don't forget your Visa (or is it Mastercard? I genuinely can't remember) if you want to pay for your adjective-laden foodstuffs by card or withdraw cash.

Every new thing I learn about the Olympics makes me gladder and gladder I have nothing to do with the foul jamboree.

It's Visa, as they're a sponsor. I was invited along to one of the local torch events as a friend is involved and we blagged 'access all areas' passes to the evening event. The (egregiously overpriced) merchandise concession had signs up proclaiming something like 'proud to accept only Visa' :eek:

That we managed to get passes through a 'friend of a friend' and then walk about everywhere unsupervised speaks volumes about security ...

I wish I had more access on my pass :(

......The (egregiously overpriced) merchandise concession had signs up proclaiming something like 'proud to accept only Visa' :eek: ...

To get around using a visa card and paying with a fully points giving Amex or Mastercard, buy your souveniers from John Lewis. At Stratford, if you pay at the till in the 2012 room (with fabulous views of the Aquatic Centre and Stadium) you need to use your visa, but step into the main shop and you can pay with what ever you like. Pretty sure there are signs up telling people that too as a lot of tourists wouldn't be carrying one around. Even better, buy online via the BA estore and get 2x the points!

I understand there are a lot of people who object to the merchandising, but the smiles on my godchildren faces who live outside London was worth it when I gave them items with the logos and characters on them. I very rarely buy souveniers when on holiday, but for an event like this in my home town, I think a few keepsakes are in order.

The liquid rule seems to me to be aimed more at getting people to buy from the overpriced concessions than any security concern.

No, minor "dignitaries" will have the bar code on their accreditation cards scanned then invited to walk around, not through, the metal detector.
This isn't the case. Everyone with accreditation cards (i.e. anything less than a head of state) will be scanned just like everyone else. I went through a security hall behind Seb Coe the other morning.

One (small) positive amid all the clipboard fascism...the army is operating the security scanners. Consequently the whole process is a lot more efficient, intuitive, pleasant and effective than it is under the rude, lazy and witless "security professionals" employed at the likes of EDI and LHR (despite the latter probably earning a higher salary...)

Ah I'm happier now that Seb Coe got searched.

It's a lot different to an airport, at least you get free drinks in the lounges! I didnt even see any free water fountains at the Park yesterday!

They do exist, somewhere, apparently...

These troops they've got on the mag & bag searches. It's terrible. They were cheerful and tried to make conversation with me at 0455 this morning. I'm not sure I can cope with that!

So the aerosol rule is quite strict. My travel size deodorant wasn't allowed through. Also the metal detector is quite sensitive, my watch caused it to beep, which has never happened to me at an airport. The army personal were quite friendly and efficient though.

One (small) positive amid all the clipboard fascism...the army is operating the security scanners. Consequently the whole process is a lot more efficient, intuitive, pleasant and effective than it is under the rude, lazy and witless "security professionals" employed at the likes of EDI and LHR (despite the latter probably earning a higher salary...)

I can't help but think that this whole G4S farce has been for the greater good, i.e. that it discourages the idea of outsourcing matters of importance e.g. policing to cheap security monkeys.

I look forward to seeing what it's like with the Army running it. Probably pretty good, as the most professional and polite airport security I've encountered is that in Switzerland, where it is run by the relevant cantonal police force.

Neil

So the aerosol rule is quite strict. My travel size deodorant wasn't allowed through.

<100ml i.e. airport OK? Should be OK there as well, this is the official list:-

http://www.london2012.com/mm/Document/Documents/General/01/25/44/10/Restrictionsonliquidsaerosolsandgels_Neutral.pdf

Neil

<100ml i.e. airport OK? Should be OK there as well, this is the official list:-

http://www.london2012.com/mm/Document/Documents/General/01/25/44/10/Restrictionsonliquidsaerosolsandgels_Neutral.pdf

Neil

You're right of course, nothing published says no aerosols. But there was no arguing with them. This was staff security at Wimbledon, it might have been a mistake.

You're right of course, nothing published says no aerosols. But there was no arguing with them. This was staff security at Wimbledon, it might have been a mistake.

The rules may well be different for staff, I suppose.

Neil

At the Opening Ceremony today. The lines for beer and food were longer than the lines for security.
Much better than the four hours spent in line in Beijing.

Supporting Bud Florida's view - we were straight through security with a smile. I forgot to take my watch off and was frisked by a very cute squaddie. I made a point to say "thank you". Food and drink queues last night were very bad, but for the Opening Ceremony only a small part of the Olympic Park was open - I'm hoping these will ease when more of the park is open.

Sometimes my watch sets off the metal detector, and sometimes it doesn't - I think there may be some small differences in how they're calibrated.

Hope you both enjoyed the ceremony. I was working dead early this morning so didn't watch the whole thing live, but the finale fireworks woke me up about two miles away - followed some time later by people walking up the road singing the "na na" bit from Hey Jude...

Security at both the Beach Volleyball in Horseguards Parade and the rowing at Eton Dorney was very quick and very efficient - no queues at either.

In both cases, they required watches to be taken off. There is a no liquids rule but not nearly as strict as at airports as they allowed me through with a good sized bottle of suncream - and inside they were actively promoting the use of sunblock, but not selling it!

I've been at several venues over the last few days at at each place the security has been tight but was always very friendly, efficient and professional. The army are doing a fantastic job processing the queues very quickly. They really should take over the job of doing security at Heathrow!

Do they sell beer bottles at the Olympic Stadium? On TV I just saw someone in the stands sipping on a glass bottle of what looked like Heineken. Did they smuggle it past security or do they sell these at kiosks?

Do they sell beer bottles at the Olympic Stadium? On TV I just saw someone in the stands sipping on a glass bottle of what looked like Heineken. Did they smuggle it past security or do they sell these at kiosks?

Heineken is the official beer, so it's sold from outlets and from people wandering around with backpacks as they do at concert venues. The bottles are plastic. You can buy plastic 70cl bottles of (very average) wine too. The Park is not an alcohol-free zone.

OK, it looked like a glass bottle on TV.

Also, has anyone been to Earls Court for the Volleyball? Can you buy beer there too and bring it to the seats?

Also, has anyone been to Earls Court for the Volleyball? Can you buy beer there too and bring it to the seats?

Yes and yes.

Do they sell beer bottles at the Olympic Stadium? On TV I just saw someone in the stands sipping on a glass bottle of what looked like Heineken. Did they smuggle it past security or do they sell these at kiosks?
They also sell bottles of Foster's and Bulmers cider. I believe the bar in the media centre also sells pints of John Smith's, though I'm not sure whether it's available in the public areas. (Nor why you'd bother, because it's that 'extra smooth' stuff, and therefore pretty vile.)

These are, incidentally, all Heineken brands.

What I found odd (as a volunteer with accreditation) is that walking through security, bag got scanned and liquids checked. But driving into the VSA's*, cars are searched and swabbed, but no-one paid the slightest attention to my bag.

*Vehicle Screening Areas (don't LOCOG just love acronyms!)

*Vehicle Screening Areas (don't LOCOG just love acronyms!)
There's actually a directory of them. The whole place runs on acronyms. I take the MM4-NTH bus from STG to the IBC, so I don't need to pass through a VSA.

Incidentally the Heineken plastic bottles are 4.30 but full pints are 4.60 so unless you've got a specific reason to buy a bottle (for example, you want to hurl one at Usain Bolt) then pints are the way to go. Queues are long but move fast at the bars.

Intriguingly, prices and limited ranges at the MPC/IBC bars are the same as the public ones except you can buy any kind of spirit (presumably Heineken doesn't own a spirit brand?) and pints of Heineken are a remarkably cheap 2.75. Not that Heineken is trying to avoid negative coverage of course...

At Wimbledon on the gate I saw a few bottles of champagne having to be quickly guzzled or poured away before entry as well as a litre bottle of gin (most of which ended on the grass), and someone managed 4 cans of lager on their own.

I wonder why people bring these things - pretty clear that they won't be allowed and plenty of sports events already search bags and remove any alcohol, even under 100ml. If you really need gin inside, buy some miniatures...

I guess people just don't read what they are sent - instructions clearly say no alcohol is allowed in to any venue, although it is on sale in side (Heineken, No 1 Cup etc).

Intriguingly, prices and limited ranges at the MPC/IBC bars are the same as the public ones except you can buy any kind of spirit (presumably Heineken doesn't own a spirit brand?) and pints of Heineken are a remarkably cheap 2.75. Not that Heineken is trying to avoid negative coverage of course...£2.75? crikey! Why's the place always empty?
(Apparently I walked right past Serena Williams in there this afternoon - she was posing for photos and signing autographs, but only in exchange for Olympic pin badges.)

Are you OK to take food in?

http://www.tickets.london2012.com/purchaseterms.html

clause 19.2.3 says not.....

There is no restriction in taking in "reasonable" amounts of food. I daresay the conditions are there so that you can be stopped if necessary, but there's no problem taking a packed lunch in. And given the food and drink queues in the park, it's not a bad idea.

If you look at the list of restricted items within venue information the phrase used is 'excessive amounts of food'. The limit on bag size is 25l ...

(And going back a few posts, the prohibition on pets does not include 'service animals'.)

I guess people just don't read what they are sent - instructions clearly say no alcohol is allowed in to any venue, although it is on sale in side (Heineken, No 1 Cup etc).

Presumably this is so sale can be stopped in the event of trouble, as on an aircraft.

Neil

Presumably this is so sale can be stopped in the event of trouble, as on an aircraft.

Neil

No, it's so people will purchase the substantially more expensive options available inside the venue.

No, it's so people will purchase the substantially more expensive options available inside the venue.

AFAIK the food and drink is priced the same in the venues and in the common domain of the park.

No, it's so people will purchase the substantially more expensive options available inside the venue.

Knowing a few event management people, I can safely say it is for both reasons. They and the police are concerned about dealing with over-served patrons. However they are even more concerned about making a big profit for their bosses and bonuses.

I know one stadium that has about 15 thousand seats that would earn a few hundred thousand on an average night in F&B sales. So for the Games, add up all the nights and all the stadiums and all the tickets sold and it should be nice windfall if managed correctly.

No, it's so people will purchase the substantially more expensive options available inside the venue.

The prices are not that different from any other licensed establishment in central London, and in most cases any other entertainment venues wouldn't let you take your own alcohol in either.

I was struck on Opening Ceremony night that by the time of the athletes parade, there were very long bar queues and patrons were being limited to "4 alcoholic drinks per order", although it's possible that this may have been due to diminishing supplies rather than public order concerns. Bar staff had however not been properly briefed as they were comfortable selling 4x 70cl bottles of wine to one customer...

"4 drinks per order" rules are often in the interest of them not being dropped!