Change of Bag policy at the Gtech

[jlove]

The Club shop certainly seems to be missing an opportunity for a low-cost ‘approved size’ badged bag alongside this announcement. Certainly not joined-up thinking.

 

[Sultan]

If it's folded up in your coat pocket, they won't see it.

Full body search, externally and internally I hear.

 

[hobbsy]

The Club shop certainly seems to be missing an opportunity for a low-cost ‘approved size’ badged bag alongside this announcement. Certainly not joined-up thinking.

Yes as noted by @Raise The Roof last year

 

[ianallon]

On a more positive note, I'm very happy with the new service for bag storage. Sometimes I need to bring back a large bag from work, and have to go home (Kingston) before going to an evening match, rather than going directly to the game - meaning I often miss kick-off. Also, I am off on the Eurostar after the Spurs game and had nowhere to put a suitcase. And now I do.

 

[hobbsy]

On a more positive note, I'm very happy with the new service for bag storage. Sometimes I need to bring back a large bag from work, and have to go home (Kingston) before going to an evening match, rather than going directly to the game - meaning I often miss kick-off. Also, I am off on the Eurostar after the Spurs game and had nowhere to put a suitcase. And now I do.

You've been able to store them at the Premier Inn for a few years. Even if you aren't staying there, and it's £5.59 for a large suitcase, so cheaper than the club.

 

[ianallon]

You've been able to store them at the Premier Inn for a few years. Even if you aren't staying there, and it's £5.59 for a large suitcase, so cheaper than the club.
View attachment 67778

Thanks. I wish I had known that earlier...

 

[BIAS]

Exemptions for medical, accessibility and childcare reasons​

Exemptions to bag size restrictions have always been available to fans with medical and accessibility requirements, and this will continue.

These exemptions are intended for fans that need to bring specialist medical or accessibility supplies or equipment into the stadium. We can also allow exemptions for parents of small children who need provisions such as nappies and bottles with them inside the stadium.

If you need an exemption, you should request one as soon as possible by contacting [email protected]and providing evidence and information as to why you need a larger bag. Exemptions are at the discretion of the club and successful applicants will receive a PDF letter that they must present to stewards when enterting the ground.

For any other reasonable adjustments that fans might require, contact our stadium security team on [email protected] to discuss your situation.

 

[Banana]

Did @BIAS and/or @Bees United agree with this change of policy?

 

[coconino]

The Club shop certainly seems to be missing an opportunity for a low-cost ‘approved size’ badged bag alongside this announcement. Certainly not joined-up thinking.

The Bees-branded one I had from the club shop a few years ago measures 240 x 160 x 70 mm, which is well within the new 340 x 240 x 110 mm requirement. Mine’s looking a bit tired these days so I’d be happy to see the smaller size restocked, and one the new size would be good too.

 

[maconleary]

If they are going to deny entry to people who have just bought replica kit from the store and asked for a bag, then I admire their unswerving commitment to crowd safety.

However, if bags from the club shop are going to be allowed in, despite being larger than A4 size, it seems tricky to interpret this as anything other than a money grab by the club.

 

[Sultan]

If they are going to deny entry to people who have just bought replica kit from the store and asked for a bag, then I admire their unswerving commitment to crowd safety.

However, if bags from the club shop are going to be allowed in, despite being larger than A4 size, it seems tricky to interpret this as anything other than a money grab by the club.

Same at Anfield. Club shop bags were allowed.

 

[aslan]

Same at Anfield. Club shop bags were allowed.

Of course, they're not a safety issue if you bought from the club

 

[Banana]

Of course, they're not a safety issue if you bought from the club

What about the bomb that I put in the bag after I left the shop?

 

[aslan]

What about the bomb that I put in the bag after I left the shop?

No worries, as long as you spent £20 on tat first

 

[TW1Bee]

Same at Anfield. Club shop bags were allowed.

FWIW I took a bag to Liverpool at the end of last season as me and mates were staying in Manchester that night Booked online with some site, told to deposit it at Liverpool Moorfields station. Took me half an hour to find the place only to be told they didn't have left luggage. Trudged back to Lime Street thinking it was a mistake and told not here mate ! Eventually found the place which was a dodgy vape shop around the corner. Fearing the worst left it there fully expecting never to see it again. However did get it back intact maybe they didn't fancy my change of underwear and medications. Complete waste of over an hour which I could have further spent
observing the hen parties in Wetherspoons.

 

[mattybscrystalball]

Liverpool was A5 only. I had to leave my bag at the left luggage in the church nearby. It was ridiculous. They wouldn’t even let us take water in on a hot day and then tried to stop serving water about 15 minutes into the 2nd half.

Brentford stewards have been pretty reasonable. I think A4 is a reasonable enough size to pack the essentials in for most people.

 

[Gee Bee]

The Club shop certainly seems to be missing an opportunity for a low-cost ‘approved size’ badged bag alongside this announcement. Certainly not joined-up thinking.

They sell badged shoulder bags, they were part of kids ST renewals a couple of years ago. We use them still most games. Size is between A5 and A4 gets water bottle a few choc bars and sunglasses etc easily.

 

[Gee Bee]

They sell this as ideal but sadly to big to get in with Brentford X Stubble Black Lined Roll Top Bag

 

[Banana]

Liverpool was A5 only

A5? How can they give 2 dimensional measurements for a 3 dimensional item? Idiots.

 

[Voice from the Braemar]

Another nail in the coffin of losing the joy of professional football in this country

 

[mattybscrystalball]

A5? How can they give 2 dimensional measurements for a 3 dimensional item? Idiots.

I think there’s a depth guideline too, but it’s pretty shallow. A5 is usually an easy reference for people isn’t it?

 

[Banana]

I think there’s a depth guideline too, but it’s pretty shallow. A5 is usually an easy reference for people isn’t it?

Not really. no. It's completely ambigious. Nothing about the 3rd dimension

 

[Gee Bee]

Not really. no. It's completely ambigious. Nothing about the 3rd dimension

Bags that are a little taller than a paperback and about the average book width

 

[Banana]

Bags that are a little taller than a paperback and about the average book width

mean, mode or median?

 

[SOTGBee]

Same, had to drop my A4 bag at the church

Liverpool was A5 only. I had to leave my bag at the left luggage in the church nearby. It was ridiculous. They wouldn’t even let us take water in on a hot day and then tried to stop serving water about 15 minutes into the 2nd half.

Brentford stewards have been pretty reasonable. I think A4 is a reasonable enough size to pack the essentials in for most people.

 

[BaildonBee]

What a pain in the arse. Our bag policy was another of those things that Brentford just did better. As a long distance fan with a 3 hour train journey each way I could pack most things I needed in a small rucksack including my lunch and a bottle of water (to save money) a hat and suncream (I sit facing the sun in the East Stand!), a snack and a jumper for the way back up to the frozen north etc etc. I am sure I can come up with a way to carry most things I am likely to need and no doubt the average size of fans' coats will increase this year but what a pain in the arse.

 

[Banana]

Our bag policy was another of those things that Brentford just did better.

Agreed

This is what irks me. It's just someone somewhere "making a difference" to get a better end of year performance review.

Sorry to whomever I am sleighting. but there is no problem that needs fixing or anything to do with Martyn's Law.

Working in corporate life for some of my life, some people just wanted to copy other participants so we weren't "out of whack" with the rest of the street.

This is what this appears to be.

 

[Hullbee]

What about the bomb that I put in the bag after I left the shop?

Stink bombs are fine and help fans condition themselves ahead of going into a G tech toliet

 

[Surrey Bee]

Sorry to whomever I am sleighting. but there is no problem that needs fixing or anything to do with Martyn's Law.

Totally agree, this doesn’t make the ground any safer at all, it’s just a pain. My son sometimes meets me at the game and then comes back to stay at my place afterward, or comes straight from work with a laptop, and obviously needs to carry a bag.
Also, as somebody else alluded to, I wonder what this policy will do to sales from the club shop?

 

[Raise The Roof]

Totally agree, this doesn’t make the ground any safer at all, it’s just a pain. My son sometimes meets me at the game and then comes back to stay at my place afterward, or comes straight from work with a laptop, and obviously needs to carry a bag.
Also, as somebody else alluded to, I wonder what this policy will do to sales from the club shop?

On behalf of BIAS, can i urge every fan who needs to bring a bag (for the sort of reasons you set out, or any other valid purpose) to apply for an Exemption.("If you need an exemption, you should request one as soon as possible by contacting [email protected]" please refer to post 207 above).That way, we can test the clubs flexibilities and the fairness of their processes. Anyone with a valid reason to bring a small bag should be able to do so, within reason.

 

[thickobee]

I’ll throw another ‘legitimate’ issue into the mix.
Cyclists arriving in bad weather. Waterproofs off, gloves off, under helmet cap (ooh er matron) off.
Where do you stick them? Too bulky to go in the helmet. Electric bike users removing the expensive battery. Where does that go?
I’m all for safety but this seems a step too far. Were there a large number of safety related problems last season?

 

[hobbsy]

I’ll throw another ‘legitimate’ issue into the mix.
Cyclists arriving in bad weather. Waterproofs off, gloves off, under helmet cap (ooh er matron) off.
Where do you stick them? Too bulky to go in the helmet. Electric bike users removing the expensive battery. Where does that go?
I’m all for safety but this seems a step too far. Were there a large number of safety related problems last season?

If you have a cycle helmet you get free storage.

 

[Baubaul]

On behalf of BIAS, can i urge every fan who needs to bring a bag (for the sort of reasons you set out, or any other valid purpose) to apply for an Exemption.("If you need an exemption, you should request one as soon as possible by contacting [email protected]" please refer to post 207 above).That way, we can test the clubs flexibilities and the fairness of their processes. Anyone with a valid reason to bring a small bag should be able to do so, within reason.

Didn’t BIAS agree to this? Now is please email to test the club flexibility and fairness?

If it ain’t broke let’s brake it

 

[Raise The Roof]

Didn’t BIAS agree to this? Now is please email to test the club flexibility and fairness?

If it ain’t broke let’s brake it

Its not about breaking it in any sense. Its about ensuring that a system is implemented fairly. We cant help fans if they havent even tried to apply. The club have built an Exemption Process, now lets ensure it is working effectively across the fan base.

An analogy might the Plastic Card ST exception process, where the club appeared to be very fair the way they applied that.

 

[Sultan]

If you come by train, the walk to drop off needs building in, especially if in the East Stand. More so if if you have to catch a train afterwards. Probably half an hour adding to your day. Good luck catching your train on a night game.

 

[Raise The Roof]

If you come by train, the walk to drop off needs building in, especially if in the East Stand. More so if if you have to catch a train afterwards. Probably half an hour adding to your day. Good luck catching your train on a night game.

Another way is to have a smaller bag of 34v24v11 which gets allowed in. Last year, after the unannounced bag crackdown, i decided to buy a smaller bag as my 20 litre computer-backpack was unlikely to get past the stewards in future. I can pack a reasonable amount in that smaller bag, just not as much as i used to bring. It also helps the other fans in my row, as they dont trip over my smaller bag as often!

 

[Frenchbee]

As a ST holder who travels quite a distance to home matches using public transport, this is rather frustrating. I sometimes tie visits to the GTech in with other activities in the capital. In the winter, or in times of inclement weather I may bring a bag for extra clothes so I don’t need to watch a match in wet clothes.

As others on here have said, Martyn’s Law is more about how a venue responds to a potential terrorist attack rather than dictating whether a visitor to the venue can put a wet coat in a carrier bag during a football match so as to watch a game in somewhat more comfort.

This feels like a plan has been hatched without much thought about the knock on effects for people who travel long distances to games on public transport. If I use the drop off each game, this will add about £100 to what I spend to watch The Bees each season, without really addressing the fundamental ideas behind Martyn’s Law.

We have become well known for our successes, which has sometimes meant doing things differently. Just because X or Y club does something in a particular way doesn’t usually mean we follow what others do, and we are often applauded for exactly that. This situation feels like the opposite has happened.

What engagement did the club undertake with BIAS and other fan groups on this matter and how were their views taken into account?

 

[Jay Bee]

This brings us into line with what we often, though not always, have to put up with at away games - it's irritating. As I've said before (possibly earlier in this long running thread) clubs just out source the hassle of bag security and searches by banning them.

If it's a reasonable response to Martyn's law then I suppose I should expect every cinema and theatre in the country to enforce an A4 bag size and offsite bag storage in the same way? For some reason football fans are automatically treated as less trustworthy with a bag than other sections of society.

 

[Edmundo]

What problem was this "solution" designed to address?

 

[Sultan]

All of these issues being highlighted would have been discussed by club / Fans liason officer and the supporters groups before being rolled out. I'm guessing any further response will just be two fingers.

 

[Gawain]

For some reason football fans are automatically treated as less trustworthy with a bag than other sections of society.

Do similar restrictions apply eg to Rugby, Cricket, Darts etc?

 

[Sultan]

Do similar restrictions apply eg to Rugby, Cricket, Darts etc?

Yes and also to Disco's (do they still exist?) and Ikea.

 

[Banana]

Club email

Why are we revising our bag policy?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known also as ‘Martyn’s Law’, will come into effect in the UK in 2027.

As a football club responsible for the safety of thousands on matchdays, this legislation requires Brentford to demonstrate enhanced, robust security arrangements.

• Brentford has historically been accommodating of fans bringing bags that exceed the previous size limit (10L/A4) following appropriate bag and body searches, but we must now tighten our bag policy to comply with incoming legislation and align with best safety and security practice across major UK sport and entertainment venues
• Reducing the size and number of bags entering the stadium limits the opportunities for prohibited or dangerous items to be concealed and also speeds up bag searches, reducing queues for supporters
• The legislation is expected to come into effect during the 2026/27 season, therefore we are making this change now to ensure a consistent approach for all home games this season and give fans time to prepare accordingly

 

[Banana]

• Reducing the size and number of bags entering the stadium limits the opportunities for prohibited or dangerous items to be concealed and also speeds up bag searches, reducing queues for supporters

So you might say that it's a cost exercise....

 

[Mikey Bee]

Want to bring your laptop bag into the Gtech but don't want to pay a fiver every game? Just nip down to your local charity shop and pick up a bike helmet for a coupla quid. #thrift

 

[Jezybee]

These days it’s difficult to communicate directly with the Club re: decisions that impact fans.

A creative route might be for as many people as possible to contact [email protected] requesting a bag exemption form and then return it communicating the displeasure with the change.

A mechanism to at least make the club aware that with this, plus 1% transaction charge, they’re pissing supporters off. Whether they’ll care is another thing but more chance of having an effect than complaining on here.

 

[The Joker]

If it's a reasonable response to Martyn's law then I suppose I should expect every cinema and theatre in the country to enforce an A4 bag size and offsite bag storage in the same way?

One difference being football matches are often broadcast to an audience of millions on TV and any terrorist attack at the Gtech would be national and possibly global headline news.

 

[londonlegal]

To be honest, rather selfishly, I wasn’t too upset by this policy until I looked at my laptop bag and thought about the midweek games.
I found the ability to put a large bag into the sports store very useful on the very rare occasion when we had to travel to the ground directly from Wales where our main house is, because we couldn’t get to our London flat.

However, these measurements exclude the conventional laptop bag. Have they considered the midweek games where many of us come straight from work? By no means could this be considered a large bag. Are they really saying that we have to alter the journey (which is tight enough as it is from work) to divert to the superstore to then pay to have them take these small bags?

To be clear this is not mandated by the new legislation and citing it is not with respect sufficient reason to explain why this significant change of policy.

Why was this not mentioned in the recent BIAS AGM? I don’t recall being consulted.

 

[Plymouth Bee]

As a ST holder who travels quite a distance to home matches using public transport, this is rather frustrating. I sometimes tie visits to the GTech in with other activities in the capital. In the winter, or in times of inclement weather I may bring a bag for extra clothes so I don’t need to watch a match in wet clothes.

As others on here have said, Martyn’s Law is more about how a venue responds to a potential terrorist attack rather than dictating whether a visitor to the venue can put a wet coat in a carrier bag during a football match so as to watch a game in somewhat more comfort.

This feels like a plan has been hatched without much thought about the knock on effects for people who travel long distances to games on public transport. If I use the drop off each game, this will add about £100 to what I spend to watch The Bees each season, without really addressing the fundamental ideas behind Martyn’s Law.

We have become well known for our successes, which has sometimes meant doing things differently. Just because X or Y club does something in a particular way doesn’t usually mean we follow what others do, and we are often applauded for exactly that. This situation feels like the opposite has happened.

What engagement did the club undertake with BIAS and other fan groups on this matter and how were their views taken into account?

Completely agree. I usually have a Tesco Bag for Life and it appears these are now banned. If this is the case, I really am going to have to think again about going to games at the Gtech with all the extra cost that already entails if you live in, say, Plymouth (and yes, I do love the Bees!). Might just be the straw that breaks the camel's back. I'm going to e-mail the club.

 

[Freebee]

I'm not saying i agree with it but unless it's a matter of principle,just apply for the exemption if you need it.It's the same for getting a physical ST.I don't want the hassle and shouldn't have to apply(beg) for it every season but it's that or don't go.