Admissions Policy

Before the event

• Before the event, either online at home or whilst you are waiting to go through the search point, please familiarise yourself with the Admissions Policy for the Mayor’s Question Time event.  
• As part of the health and safety arrangements, admission for all visitors is conditional upon agreeing to go through the search procedures and complying with all security arrangements and instructions as detailed below. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) reserves the right to refuse admission.
• Wearing a face covering hasn’t been mandatory since 27 January 2022. However, if you would feel more comfortable wearing one, then you’re more than welcome to.

Search Procedures

• All visitors wishing to enter the event, will be subject to a photo ID check and security search of any bags or carried items, including folding bicycles. Any prohibited items will be confiscated by the security team and handed in. The search aims to ensure that no prohibited items are either deliberately or accidentally brought into the building.
• At the discretion of the Security Officer, visitors found in possession of prohibited items may be refused entry to the building or will only be admitted if they are prepared to surrender the items to Security, for which a receipt will be issued.  Any retained items can be collected, on production of the receipt on departure from the building, with the exception of certain prohibited items which are considered likely to pose safety risks to staff and the public which will be passed to the police.
• At the discretion of the Security Officer, visitors deliberately trying to conceal prohibited items or being obstructive may be refused entry and reported to the Police.

Visitor’s Behaviour and Conduct

• Visitors to the event are respectfully requested to behave in a considerate and courteous manner at all times and comply with official instructions given by Security Officers and GMCA Staff. Anyone who is considered to be a threat to good order will not be admitted. Visitors must not disrupt or interfere with the activities that are taking place at the Mayor’s Question Time event.
• The intimidation of Security Officers or other members of GMCA Staff or public will not be tolerated and neither will: assault on staff; aggressive behaviour; offensive, threatening or abusive language or gestures. 
• Anyone displaying these behaviours or not complying with official instructions will be required to leave Mayor’s Question Time immediately and may, at the discretion of the Security Officer, be refused from future entry.
• Visitors are advised not to make comments to security staff that could be interpreted as a potential threat; such actions could result in the police being called.

Children

• Young people under the age of sixteen will not be permitted access to the building unless accompanied by an appropriate adult or by prior arrangement. Security staff may ask for proof of age if the visitor does not look sixteen years of age or over.

Animals

• The only animals permitted access to Mayor’s Question Time are assistance animals and (if ever needed) police search dogs.

Photography and Filming

• No photography or filming of security and reception areas is permitted.
• The use of camera or audio-video recording equipment in such a way so as to cause alarm, distress or harassment of staff or visitors, or using it in such a way that causes interference with their duties or visit is prohibited.
• No commercial photography or filming at the Mayor’s Question Time is permitted without prior written agreement from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Prohibited Items

To help protect the safety and welfare of both visitors and staff, the following is a non-exhaustive list of items that are prohibited from being brought into a Mayor’s Question Time event:

• Bladed items, including: pen knives, fixed-bladed knives and scalpels
• Offensive weapons e.g. tasers, etc or component parts of weapons
• Imitation or toy weapons, including toy hand grenades and guns
• Items that could be readily converted into weapons. This includes scissors, tweezers or needles.
• Flares, fireworks or other pyrotechnics. This also includes candles with naked flames.
• Strobe lights, high intensity torches and lasers
• Hazardous materials e.g. radioactive items, CS gas, pepper spray, glue, acids & alkalis. This also includes spray paints or cans of paint. Illegal drugs or opened bottles or can of alcohol
• Mobile phone jamming devices
• Masks (other than those designed for COVID prevention)
• Items that could cause loud audible disruption e.g. whistles, megaphones, sirens, air horns, large radios / cd players / speakers
• Covert surveillance and recording equipment
• Tools e.g.. pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, padlocks, chains, saws, etc.
• Any items considered to be suspicious or unacceptable by security staff that the owner cannot provide a reasonable explanation for possessing
• Items likely to cause offence