(The Associated Press circulated the following story on January 5.)
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Safety concerns have prompted The Greenbrier resort to close its doors to people who aren’t registered guests, club members or their guests.
While they have received no terrorist-type threats, the 224-year-old resort is tightening security for the protection of its guests, spokeswoman Lynn Swann said Monday.
“The Greenbrier has taken its responsibilities in dealing with a changed and uncertain world very seriously, understanding the necessity to provide a secure environment for both our guests and members while maintaining the resort’s traditions and expectations of excellence,” said resort general manager Jack G. Damioli in a news release.
The resort will continue to accept advance registrations from those who are not guests or members for dinner and golf tee times, and people attending group functions will be admitted, Swann said.
“Honestly, our primary concern is safety and security,” she said. “That is foremost.”
The 6,500-acre resort has private residences, 850 guest rooms and three golf courses, and it draws visitors from across the globe, including wealthy travelers and political leaders.
Owned by railroad giant CSX, The Greenbrier is the largest employer in Greenbrier County, with more than 1,800 employees and its own culinary school.
Officials were not immediately sure what effect the security changes would have on the shops in the main hotel’s corridor, and Swann did not know if business owners received prior notification of the security crackdown.
“We have taken many steps to improve security … some have been obvious and easy, others have been necessary and difficult,” Damioli said. “This action is similar to the one that we have all become familiar with at office buildings and prominent properties all around our country, the limitation of casual access any time of the day or night.”