Morland

It's a country which has been subjected to domestic terrorism, and while the risks of domestic terrorism have changed over the years, they still exist.

Vertigo 42 is at the top of what for many years was the UK's tallest building, and that's why it has been a target for terrorism before.

I don't know where you are, but to put it in a US context, visiting Tower 42 is much like visiting the Empire State Building. Its website says: "All visitors to the Empire State Building must pass through primary security screening, similar to airport security procedure, before going to the Observatory."

Or the Eiffel Tower: "Security checks will be carried out before entry to the Eiffel Tower. For reasons of security and safety, visitors are required to open their bags and packages and present or disclose the contents at the entrance to or exit from the monument, or in any other part of the monument upon request from personnel or security guards. "

It's possible that the OP didn't realise that Vertigo was in a location regarded as a potential terrorist target, and perhaps that should be clearer on the website, but I don't think the UK is significantly out of step in terms of its response to terrorism.

HIDDY

Your post could have been worded better. I just assumed it was an establishment situated at street level. Now knowing it's at the top of a ruddy great big skyscraper my opinion on the subject has changed.

GodAtum

lol i wont go into a discussion about the TSA .... I find being searched on commercial properties very Orwellian.

My friends says he wasnt informed about the security checks when making a booking but i cannot verify this. I've never visited any high-profile attraction sin the UK for the same reason (Buckingham Palace, Parliament etc).

djplong

I flew out of MHT a couple of months after 9/11. This was before the TSA was implemented.

There were armed National Guard troops, in uniform, guns ready all over the airport.

I felt pretty damn safe.

I do NOT feel safe with these TSA personell who don't even need a GED to qualify for the job.

Give me trained military over undertrained civilians ANY day for THAT job.

Showbizguru

Anyone with the faintest knowledge of the City and its history of terrorist attacks wouldn't have been surprised in the slightest.
I'd be interested in what this security check involved.

Jenbel

Don't go to Bogota.

Cassie55

When I went it was a walk through metal detector. I don't remember having my bag searched.

Pretty standard for a potential terrorist target in the City.

thijsseh

On the contrary, because of the surveillance (including CCTV on public transport), I find London one of the least threatening / safest big cities to visit.

ajax

To be fair, this is not uncommon at many bars and pubs in Soho, and normally it's doormen or bouncers who search bags for alcohol. I think it's both a safety and a commercial thing.

Jenbel

I had my bag searched going into a gay bar recently in Soho. I wished the bouncers good luck as I can never find anything in there either

bibbju

+1

Especially in the City and Canary Wharf. I have no problems being security checked in the City just as I have no problem whatsoever when my car is stopped by Security at Canary Wharf for one of their random checks (usually testing the steering wheel for explosive residue and/or checking your boot). Security are very switched on making it a very safe place to be.

ajax

I always tell them they're welcome to my sweaty gym kit if they fancy it. Strangely no takers

origin

A few moments making sure everyone is okay and safe is much better than in an ambulance The Boston bombings is an example of what can easily happen in London.

Silver Fox

No, what has happened in London (and the UK) is an example of what can happen in London.