Police urge London hotels to follow registration rules

The Metropolitan Police's hotel intelligence unit is strongly advising hotels to comply fully with guest registration law, as anti-terrorist measures are increased.

One member of the unit said: "In most hotels abroad they take your passport away, while in this country we don't even look at it. A common argument we get from hoteliers is that the guests don't like it.

"There is a very valid reason to be thorough. Guest registration is a legal requirement which all hotels are aware of."

Hotel registration cards from the Westin Copley Place hotel, Boston, and the Panther Motel in Deerfield Beach, Florida, were checked by US police as part of the investigation into last week's terrorist attacks.

The police unit in London is urging receptionists to check names, look at passport photographs, issue numbers and expiry dates, as well as luggage, and call the local police station if they think there is any cause for suspicion.

The unit said that all London hotels have strategic planning in place against terrorism.

David Purkiss, director of security for Le Méridien, said: "I have circulated fresh guides on how to deal with telephone bomb threats, suspect packages, and evacuation procedures." He said there would be more uniformed personnel in the seven Le Méridien and 12 Principal hotel lobbies in the UK.

Purkiss also sent security reminders to all of the group's 150 hotels around the world.

by Ben Walker

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper, 20-26 September 2001