Martyn’s Law - What You Need to Know!

What Is Martyn’s Law?

In essence, Martyn’s Law aims to heighten public safety through the reinforcement of security protocols at public venues. This initiative seeks to bolster national security and minimize the potential terrorist threat to the general public.

What Will Public Venues Be Required to Do for Compliance?

Martyn’s Law will establish a mandate for individuals responsible for specific buildings and locations to meticulously assess the risk of terrorism and institute suitable and proportionate measures for mitigation. Significantly, this legislation necessitates comprehensive preparedness and clear protocols in the event of an attack. Compliance will hinge upon the development of robust counter-terrorism processes and procedures, regular staff training and emergency drills, as well as the enhancement of security infrastructure.

Who Will Be Impacted by This Legislation?

The scope of this duty, as defined by ProtectUK, will encompass premises where "qualifying activities" are conducted. This encompasses venues used for entertainment, leisure, retail, food and beverage establishments, museums, galleries, sports arenas, public areas within government buildings, visitor attractions, temporary events, places of worship, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. This law is anticipated to apply to eligible premises, which can encompass both single structures and defined location/events with stipulated occupancy thresholds (100+ or 800+ occupants).

Proportionality.

The legislation takes a pragmatic approach to proportionality, recognizing that not all venues face the same level of vulnerability. It introduces a two-tiered system, with the stringency of precautions and preparations contingent on the size and nature of the business operations. Higher-risk targets will be subject to more rigorous requirements.

The Tiered Approach.

The "Standard Tier" applies to qualifying locations with a capacity ranging from 100 to 800 persons. This tier mandates measures such as staff training, utilization of services like the free ACT service, formulation of preparedness plans, and ensuring that all staff are adequately equipped to respond to emergency situations. This category encompasses venues such as larger retail establishments, bars, and restaurants.

The "Enhanced Tier" introduces additional requirements for venues with capacities exceeding 800 at any given time, recognizing the potentially severe consequences of an attack. This tier necessitates a comprehensive risk assessment and the development of a robust security plan. It encompasses venues like museums, educational institutions, theaters, music venues, sports arenas, major department stores, government buildings, places of worship, and other prominent sites.

Exceptions.

Voluntarily-run sites can negotiate bespoke arrangements to fulfill their responsibilities. Existing Transport Security Legislation already covers many sites, surpassing the requirements of this new law. Sites such as offices, residential properties, and locations with low occupancy density, such as warehouses or storage facilities, are exempted.

Support for Businesses.

To ensure that those affected have access to essential information and assistance, ProtectUK will offer dedicated guidance and support for Martyn’s Law. An online platform, developed in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), Home Office, and Pool Reinsurance, will provide resources and expertise in security and counter-terrorism. ProtectUK will serve as a central hub for trusted guidance, advice, learning, and engagement, offering free, around-the-clock access to the latest information on protective security, continuously updated with fresh content and enhanced functionality.