While there is no formal exemption under the Bribery Act it is generally acknowledged that if a person is subjected to a demand for payment under threat of violence or worse the employee should make the payment and report that fact to his employers as soon as he/she is out of harms way.

In other words the payment should not be resisted risking life or limb.

The demand for the payment still of course remains a crime – extortion.

There is of course one minor well known exception to the extortion offence, every 31 October.

We road tested this exception on London doorsteps this evening and we’re pleased to say no-one cited the Bribery Act as a reason for an inability to pony up with some treats.

Happy halloween all.