Earlier this year, research from the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) discovered that 43% of UK venues are unsure how to prepare for the introduction of new anti-terrorism legislation, due to become law in 2025.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, more popularly known as Martyn’s Law, is named in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. It’s intended to introduce new responsibilities for venues and public spaces across the UK, aimed at enhancing public safety and preparedness against terrorist threats.
With a widespread lack of understanding from venues about what Martyn’s Law will mean for their business, the MIA has teamed up with security and risk management expert, GSA Global to publish practical step-by-step guidance, which UK venues can start taking now to improve security and safety.
While the exact requirements of Martyn’s Law have not yet been finalised, it is anticipated that the law will establish different levels of responsibility based on the size and type of venue.
Specifically, venues with a capacity of over 200 individuals will likely fall into a Standard Tier, while those with a capacity exceeding 800 individuals are likely to be classified under an Enhanced Tier. Each tier will require a different approach to security and preparedness, with larger venues likely facing more comprehensive and sophisticated obligations.
The MIA’s Roadmap to navigating Martyn’s Law stresses that understanding these tiers is crucial for organisations to prepare effectively.
Standard Tier (over 200 capacity)
It is expected that venues that can hold more than 200 people will be required to undertake regular risk assessments, develop basic security plans, and ensure that staff are trained to respond to potential terrorist threats. This could apply to a wide range of venues, including shops, cafes, community centres, and small event spaces. The focus for these venues will likely be on implementing practical and straightforward security measures that are proportional to the size and nature of the venue.
Enhanced Tier (over 800 capacity)
Larger venues, such as stadiums, large theatres, concert halls, and transport hubs with a capacity of over 800 people, are expected to have more comprehensive and sophisticated security obligations. These venues will likely need to implement advanced security measures, such as detailed risk assessments, extensive CCTV networks, controlled access points and coordinated emergency response plans. Given the higher potential risk associated with larger venues, the requirements for this tier will be more rigorous, involving ongoing monitoring, regular drills, and close coordination with local emergency services.
First steps towards compliance
Given the uncertainty surrounding the final content of Martyn’s Law, the MIA’s Roadmap to navigating Martyn’s Law guidance further advises UK venues to start taking proactive steps now to prepare for eventual compliance.
The report provides detailed advice on how to develop a security framework, prepare better risk assessments, engage with experts, communicate and report based on venue size, anticipate physical security measures, adapt and stay informed, review regularly, and engage with the community.
The MIA’s former CEO, Kerrin MacPhie, says: “This roadmap does not constitute legal advice or suggest how to comply with any future law but instead offers practical steps that venues can take to improve security and safety based on existing laws and guidance.
“As we wait for it to be enshrined in UK legislation, venues now have an opportunity to review their security practices, enhance their preparedness for emergencies, and ultimately, provide a safer environment for people to meet and a safer, more secure future for all.”
For further information on Martyn’s Law, download the MIA’s Roadmap to navigating Martyn’s Law guidance here. A Martyn’s Law fact sheet, published by the Home Office is also available to view here.
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