5 Things You Need to Know About Martyn’s Law

The upcoming Martyn’s Law, named in honour of Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, will soon introduce new security requirements for UK businesses, particularly those managing public venues. This legislation is designed to ensure that venues are better prepared to protect the public from terrorist threats. In this blog, we’ll cover five essential things your business needs to know about Martyn’s Law and how you can start preparing.

What Is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law is a new UK law aimed at improving public safety by mandating security measures in venues. Named after Martyn Hett, it reflects the tireless campaigning of his mother, Figen Murray, who has pushed for stronger venue security since the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. This law requires venues to take steps to prevent terrorist attacks and protect the public (Home Office, 2024; Protect UK, 2024).

Credit: Family Handout

Who Does Martyn’s Law Apply To?

The law applies to venues with a capacity of 200 or more people, categorising them into two tiers:

• Standard Tier: For venues with 200-800 people, requiring simple, low-cost security measures such as staff training and emergency planning.
• Enhanced Tier: For venues with a capacity over 800, requiring more advanced measures like CCTV, detailed risk assessments, and the employment of professional security personnel (Protect UK, 2024).

What Security Measures Will Be Required?

For businesses, the requirements depend on the venue’s size:

• Standard Tier venues will need to focus on staff training and basic emergency procedures, such as securing exits and directing people to safe zones.
• Enhanced Tier venues must conduct detailed risk assessments, install CCTV, and have more comprehensive security strategies in place, possibly including hiring professional security staff (Home Office, 2024).

Why is Martyn’s Law Important for Your Business?

Complying with Martyn’s Law is crucial for protecting your customers, staff, and the general public. Beyond the legal requirements, businesses that implement these security measures will be better prepared to respond to potential threats. As Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated, Martyn’s Law is “a long time coming” and an important step in strengthening public safety (Home Office, 2024). Preparing now will help businesses avoid penalties and improve overall safety.

How Can Your Business Prepare?

Although the law is not yet fully in place, businesses should begin preparing immediately:

• Assess your venue: Determine your venue’s capacity and figure out which tier you fall into.
• Start training staff: Ensure your team is prepared for emergencies by providing training on evacuation procedures, securing exits, and understanding emergency plans.
• Conduct a risk assessment: For larger venues, carry out a thorough risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities and develop an action plan (Protect UK, 2024).

Conclusion

Martyn’s Law represents a significant change in the way businesses must handle security. By starting early, you can ensure compliance and help create safer public spaces. For more detailed information and official guidance on Martyn’s Law, visit Protect UK’s website.

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