Fans wanting a signed copy of former PM's memoir A Journey must comply with a number of strict conditions – and personal dedications are out

The cover of Blair's book. Photograph: John Swannell

Tony Blair will not be taking any chances at a signing to promote his memoir A Journey next month.

The Bookseller reports that the former prime minister will be meeting his public at Waterstone's in Piccadilly, London, on 8 September.

But Blair fans will have to comply with a number of strict conditions before being allowed near the great man:

Customers cannot be photographed with Blair, there will be no personal dedications, and all bags, backpacks and briefcases must be checked in, along with cameras and mobile phones, before meeting the former Labour leader. Blair will sign a maximum of two books per customer.

In addition, those wanting to have their book signed must show proof they bought it from Waterstone's that morning. They will then receive a wristband, although, as the Bookseller points out, this "does not guarantee Blair will sign the customer's book". Ouch.

A Journey will be released on 1 September, as a hardback, and a special red and gold edition, as the Guardian reported earlier this week. Blair was reportedly paid an advance of £4.6m for the book.

2.30pm update: Members of the Stop the War coalition have said a "mass protest" will be held outside the Waterstone's branch during Blair's signing and warned that activists will try to arrest the former prime minister for alleged war crimes.

Andrew Burgin told the Press Association news agency:

We are opposed to it and we will be asking them to cancel it. We will be there in mass numbers. We will be asking people to boycott Waterstone's completely and shut the chain of shops down if this event goes ahead. It is absolutely disgraceful that Waterstone's are engaging in this.

Burgin has set up a Facebook page calling for Blair's arrest at the signing.

A Waterstone's spokesman said the security measures were in place to ensure the "smooth running" of the queue of people wanting to see Blair. He said: "We are expecting a large number of customers to attend this event and we hope to be able to allow as many people as possible the chance to have their book signed."

A Metropolitan police spokesman said the force did not discuss matters of personal security. Blair is expected to be protected by his armed Scotland Yard personal protection team, which follows him around the world. Uniformed officers are likely to be stationed outside the building in anticipation of large numbers attending any demonstration, the Press Association reported.

Thursday 12 August update: Tony Blair's office has asked me to mention the following statement by Waterstone's: