Martyn’s Law to require venues to improve public safety from terrorism

The government has announced details for a new law which will require venues to take steps to improve public safety, including scaling up preparedness for, and protection from, terrorist attacks.

The Protect Duty, now to be known as ‘Martyn’s Law’ in tribute to Martyn Hett, who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017, will see measures dependent on the size of the venue and the activity taking place.

Martyn’s Law will follow a tiered model linked to activity that takes place at a location and its capacity aimed to prevent undue burden on businesses.

A standard tier will apply to locations with a maximum capacity of over 100, which can undertake low-cost, simple yet effective activities to improve preparedness. This will include training, information sharing and completion of a preparedness plan to embed practices, such as locking doors to delay attackers’ progress or knowledge on lifesaving treatments that can be administered by staff while awaiting emergency services.

An enhanced tier will focus on high-capacity locations in recognition of the potential consequences of a successful attack. Locations with a capacity of over 800 people at any time, will additionally be required to undertake a risk assessment to inform the development and implementation of a thorough security plan. Subsequent measures could include developing a vigilance and security culture, implementation of physical measures like CCTV or new systems and processes to enable better consideration of security.

The government will establish an inspection and enforcement regime, issuing sanctions for serious breaches.

Guidance and bespoke support will be provided by the government, with even small venues able to benefit from this and take voluntary action, with some advice, training and guidance already available online at ProtectUK.

Martyn’s Law will extend to and apply across the whole of the United Kingdom and the Government will publish draft legislation in the early spring.

The plans have been developed following public consultation and extensive engagement across industry, charities, local authorities, security experts and with survivors. Michael Kill, chief executive of the NTIA, said that the thresholds were “proportionate and achievable for smaller businesses”.

“The NTIA (Night-Time Industries Association) & UKDSA (UK Door Security Association) have worked closely with the Home Office, key agencies and stakeholders in the development of the practicalities around the implementation of Protect Duty, and will continue to do so in the coming months to ensure that measures are proportionate and effective at a ground level,” he said.

“The Government has worked with the sector and listened to important feedback from our members at ground level, where proportionality is key and support is given to businesses who need it the most.”

He said that the industry would require further detail, framework and guidance before implementation, and called for increased security numbers to avoid resourcing challenges, after security numbers hit “an all-time low” during the pandemic. He added that standard tier operators would require more support, particularly structured guidance and a clear framework, to ensure they are compliant.