When Novichok Hit Salisbury: Reflections of a Reluctant Pub Landlady
Introduction
Throughout career, I’ve dedicated much time to business continuity, risk assessment, and disaster planning. Yet, there are situations that no amount of preparation can quite cover. One such moment was the unthinkable—a poisoning incident right here in Salisbury.
The Poisoning of a Russian Spy
In early March 2018, Salisbury was thrust into the international spotlight when Sergei and Yulia Skripal were poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok. This crisis coincided with the “Beast from the East,” a severe weather event that blanketed the UK in snow and icy temperatures, making an already difficult situation even more challenging.
At the time, I was managing three pubs around Salisbury. Our businesses were heavily reliant on the tourist trade, being close to both Stonehenge and the city of Salisbury, with its Cathedral spire being the highest in the UK. My son and business partner, and I were in Newcastle promoting our pubs to tour operators organising visits to Stonehenge when everything started to unfold. Amid frantic phone calls with staff, we worked to keep business operations steady as the situation back home quickly escalated.
Businesses Coming to a Sudden Halt
Our pubs, positioned outside the city centre, saw a sharp and sudden drop in visitors as tourists postponed or cancelled their plans. Safety concerns from the Novichok attack, coupled with the impact of severe weather, meant bookings disappeared overnight. Even when the weather improved, with the long, costly cleanup underway, many of us in the industry were left scrambling to rebuild our businesses.
Our venues were visited by the police, and we had to provide lengthy statements and reveal details of who had frequented our venues that weekend as they desperately hunted for those responsible. It is a travesty that they are unlikely ever to be held accountable for their actions.
Interestingly, some hospitality businesses in Salisbury’s centre had a very different experience. They found their rooms filled with journalists and TV crews who needed places to stay, eat, and drink, while those of us on the outskirts faced the surreal quietness of empty pubs.
A Personal Tragedy
The incident took a personal turn when the tragedy claimed the life of Dawn Sturgess, who had worked briefly in one of my pubs. Dawn had been unknowingly exposed to Novichok from a perfume bottle her partner had found and given to her. It was a devastating reminder of the lasting impact and human cost of such events.
Conclusion
Looking back, it’s clear the road to recovery took time. Restoring Salisbury’s image as a safe, welcoming destination became a priority. Progress was badly hampered, however, when COVID-19 hit and the series of lockdowns began.
The Novichok incident left a lasting mark on Salisbury and its people, but the city and business community worked hard to overcome a difficult situation. I probably still wouldn’t put a Russian poisoning in my business continuity plans, hoping it is a definite one off, but I would make stronger plans for unforeseen long term incidents that prevent tourism from taking place.
