Understanding Martyn’s Law for Event Organisers

Part 1: What is Martyn’s Law?

by Alex Bomberg | 1st Oct 2024

What is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn's Law, also known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill or Protect Duty, is a UK law (coming into effect) that requires certain premises and events to be better prepared to respond to a terrorist attack. The law is named after Martyn Hett, who was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack.

Martyn’s Law has been established in response to the increasing number of public space attacks globally and the significant failings identified during the Manchester Arena attack. Notable incidents include the Utøya Attacks (2011), the Paris Attacks (2015), the Nice Truck Attack (2016), and the Berlin Christmas Market Attack (2016), among others. This legislation aims to enhance security measures and preparedness to prevent such tragedies by addressing the vulnerabilities that were exposed during the incident.

Martyn’s Law introduces a legal obligation for owners and operators of publicly accessible locations to implement appropriate security measures. This includes not only large-scale events but also smaller venues such as community spaces, shopping centers, and tourist attractions. The law is designed to create a standardized approach to security, ensuring that all events, regardless of size or type, have measures in place to reduce the risk of terrorism.

Who does Martyn’s Law affect?

A standard tier designation will apply to venues with a capacity of over 200 but fewer than 800 people. These establishments will be required to implement straightforward yet effective procedures to minimize harm to the public in the event of an attack. This may include training staff on actions such as locking doors, closing shutters, and identifying safe escape routes.

The enhanced tier will be applicable to premises and events with a capacity exceeding 800 individuals, due to the potentially severe impact of an attack in these larger spaces. These locations will be required to implement more comprehensive security measures, such as installing CCTV systems or employing professional security personnel.

The tiers are designed to ensure that security measures are proportionate to the risk level associated with different venues and gatherings.

Here’s a breakdown of the tiers:

1. Standard Tier

Applicability: Small to medium-sized venues and events that host a lower number of attendees or have a smaller footprint.

Requirements:

• Staff training on terrorism awareness and emergency procedures.
• Development of a basic security plan that includes an understanding of the potential threats and how to respond.
• Conducting low-level risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities.

2. Enhanced Tier

Applicability: Larger venues and events or those considered to be at a higher risk due to factors such as the nature of the event, location, or the profile of attendees.

Requirements:

• More comprehensive risk assessments that take into account a wider range of threats.
• Development of a detailed security plan, including specific measures to mitigate identified risks.
• Enhanced training for staff, including scenario-based exercises to prepare for various threat situations.
• Implementation of physical security measures, such as barriers, screening processes, and enhanced surveillance.

3. Additional Considerations

• The specific requirements within each tier can vary depending on factors such as the expected number of attendees, the type of event, and the venue’s characteristics.
• Venues and events may be required to demonstrate compliance through documentation and may be subject to inspections and audits by authorities.

This tiered approach allows for a flexible yet robust framework, ensuring that security measures are effectively tailored to the specific risks associated with each type of venue or event.

What is the proposed Martyn’s Law legislation?

The legislation is categorized into five key requirements:

1. Risk Assessment: Event organisers must ensure that a Security Risk Assessment is conducted to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. This involves understanding the event's nature, the venue's layout, the attendees' profile, and any specific risks that might be associated with the event.

These Security Risk Assessments must be carried out by a qualified, experienced, and competent person with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to perform a task or manage a particular situation.

2. Action Plan: Based on the risk assessment, organisers are required to develop and implement a robust security plan. This plan should outline specific actions to mitigate identified risks, such as deploying security personnel, establishing controlled access points, and preparing for emergency evacuations.

3. Staff Training: All staff involved in the event, from security personnel to volunteers, must receive appropriate training. This training should cover recognizing suspicious behaviour, responding to incidents, and understanding emergency procedures. The goal is to ensure that everyone on-site is prepared to act effectively in the event of a security threat.

4. Implementation of Security Measures: Organisers must implement both physical and procedural security measures. This could include CCTV surveillance, bag checks, metal detectors, and controlled entry points. The security measures should be proportional to the identified risks and designed to provide both deterrence and response capabilities.

5. Regular Review and Adaptation: Security plans and measures should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect any changes in the threat landscape or event specifics. This ongoing assessment ensures that the security strategy remains effective and relevant.

Why is Martyn’s Law Important?

The introduction of Martyn’s Law reflects the growing need to address security vulnerabilities in public spaces. High-profile attacks in recent years have highlighted the devastating impact of terrorism and the need for comprehensive security measures. By mandating a standardized approach, the law aims to create safer environments where people can gather without fear.

For event organisers, compliance with Martyn’s Law is not just about fulfilling a legal obligation but also about demonstrating a commitment to the safety and well-being of attendees. It fosters a culture of vigilance and preparedness, which can significantly reduce the risk of harm in the event of an incident.

• Good security practices should be part of your function and a significant part of what you do as an organisation, not an add-on.
• Good security practices will enhance your operation, adding value to the guest experience rather than detracting from it.

Steps for Event Organisers to Comply with Martyn’s Law

1. Understand the Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the specific obligations under Martyn’s Law. This includes understanding what constitutes a comprehensive risk assessment and the types of security measures that may be necessary for your event.

2. Conduct a Security Risk Assessment: Engage a professional security consultant (a qualified, experienced, and competent person) to conduct a detailed risk assessment for your event. This assessment will form the foundation of your security plan and help you identify areas that require attention.

3. Develop a Security Plan: Create a detailed security plan based on the risk assessment. This should include physical security measures, emergency response procedures, and staff training programs to ensure that these plans are widely known and understood.

4. Train Your Team: Ensure that all staff, including temporary and volunteer personnel, receive appropriate training on your security plan. They should be aware of their roles and responsibilities in maintaining security and know how to respond to different scenarios; again, to ensure that security plans are widely known and understood.

5. Implement and Review: Put your security plan into action and regularly review its effectiveness. Be prepared to make adjustments as needed based on changes in risk or feedback from security personnel and attendees.

Challenges and Considerations

While Martyn’s Law sets clear expectations, there are practical challenges for event organisers, particularly those with limited resources. Balancing security with the logistical and financial constraints of hosting an event can be difficult. It is essential to seek professional advice and support to develop a security strategy that is both effective and feasible.

Moreover, while the primary focus of Martyn’s Law is on preventing terrorism, the measures put in place can also enhance overall safety, helping to manage other risks such as crowd control, fire safety, and medical emergencies.

Non-compliance

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) will act as the regulator for Martyn's Law, formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill. The SIA will offer advice and guidance to venue and event managers to help them comply with the legislation. While it is anticipated that the SIA will conduct spot checks and implement controls to ensure compliance, the specifics of these measures are not yet fully defined at the time of writing.

Non-compliance with Martyn’s Law can lead to severe penalties and consequences for event organisers, emphasizing the critical importance of adhering to these regulations. Potential penalties may include:

1. Fines and Financial Penalties: Event organisers and venue operators may face substantial fines for failing to implement the mandated security measures, such as risk assessments, staff training, and emergency preparedness plans.

2. Revocation of Licenses: Non-compliance could result in the suspension or revocation of licenses required to operate venues or hold events, leading to business disruptions and potential closure.

3. Legal Liability: In the event of an attack, non-compliant organizations could be held legally liable for negligence, facing lawsuits from victims and their families.

4. Reputational Damage: Failure to comply with Martyn’s Law can severely damage the reputation of event organisers and venues, affecting public trust and future business opportunities.

5. Increased Scrutiny and Monitoring: Persistent non-compliance could lead to increased scrutiny and monitoring by regulatory authorities, making it more challenging to obtain permits and approvals for future events.

These consequences underscore the need for event organisers to take Martyn’s Law seriously and ensure all security measures are effectively implemented.

Conclusion

Martyn’s Law represents a significant step forward in safeguarding public events and venues in the UK - and there is no reason why it should not be used as a good example and adopted elsewhere!

This is a law designed for event organisers, understanding and complying with this legislation is crucial to ensuring the safety of all attendees. By taking a proactive and comprehensive approach to security, organisers can not only meet legal requirements but also contribute to a safer and more secure environment for their staff and importantly, their guests.

Six quick questions:

• Just how well prepared are you as an organisation?
• Is your present Security Risk Assessment well-know and understood by stakeholders?
• Do your Security Guards and Event Teams know what to do in the worst case?
• If they know what to do, are they capable?
• Could your Duty Manager manage a large scale casualty event?
• Could you give evidence in court based on your present plan?

Failure to comply with Martyn’s Law can lead to severe penalties and long-term repercussions for event organisers, potentially causing lasting damage to their reputation that some organizations may never fully recover from.

If you are unsure still about your obligations or need support in developing a security plan, consider consulting with Intelligent Protection's team to ensure that your event is both safe and compliant with Martyn’s Law.

If you would like to discuss the planning of your upcoming event, particularly in relation to Security Risk Assessments, we encourage you to reach out to our team. We are more than happy to provide expert advice and support tailored to your specific needs. Our experienced professionals can assist in developing a comprehensive security strategy that ensures the safety and success of your event.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to helping you create a secure and seamless experience for all involved. Our team can be contacted via email [email protected] or telephone: +44 1453 791444.