The Terrorism Protection of Premises Bill is more widely known as Martyn’s Law in tribute to Martyn Hett who was tragically killed in the Manchester Arena attack on 22 May 2017.

The Bill focuses on improving the preparedness and resilience of event organisers and premises owners. It will require those responsible for relevant premises (and relevant events) to carry out either standard or enhanced terrorism evaluations, deliver training to appropriate people and put in place sufficient security measures.

The Bill takes a tiered approach to the risk management of terrorist attacks. The first tier applies to premises with a capacity of 100 –  799 people (Standard Duty Premises); and the second, requiring an enhanced level of risk management, to those with a capacity over 800 (Enhanced Duty Premises).

Premises affected (listed in Schedule 1 of the Bill) include shops, food and drink premises, nightclubs, entertainment activity premises (eg concert arenas and theatres) and sports grounds.

 

Risk Assessments

Event organisers and premises owners will be required to conduct thorough risk assessments, identifying potential security threats and vulnerabilities. The intention is to understand the specific risks associated with the venue or event and develop appropriate measures to reduce the risks of acts of terrorism as well as reducing the physical harm to individuals should such an act occur.

Larger venues (over 800 capacity) will be required to look specifically at the characteristics of the premises including the size and any current and future use of the premises.

 

Training and Awareness

Staff working at venues and events must receive adequate training to recognise and respond to security threats.

The training will be aimed at improving awareness, preparedness, and the ability to manage emergencies effectively.

During the current consultation period, it was proposed that venues under 800 capacity should be  required to put in place procedures for evacuations and lock-ins in the event of attacks, ensuring that the relevant employees are aware of the procedures. Premises over 800 capacity will likely be required to provide more in-depth training, however that is not yet decided. .

 

Security Measures

The implementation of proportionate and effective security measures is crucial in reducing both the risk of acts of terrorism and  the harm that may result.

Security measures are to include; the monitoring of the premises/event, safe movement of people into and out of the premises, alerting the emergency services and  people at the venue in the event of an emergency and the securing the premises. It is also crucial that information which would potentially aid a terrorist act is secured.

Event organisers and premises owners will be required to collaborate with their local authorities to ensure a coordinated response in the event of a terrorist act.

A consultation period was launched on 5 February to allow smaller businesses an opportunity to respond to the Standard Tier risk management that would apply directly to them. The aim is to ensure the smaller business are not burdened financially, while allowing them to carry out effective risk management in line with the proposed Bill. The consultation period is due to close on 18 March 2024. The government are expected to introduce the Bill to Parliament as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

Please get in touch if you are affected or potentially affected by the introduction of Martyn’s Law and have questions or concerns about the potential impacts the legislation may bring.

E: Joseph.Bromage@H-F.co.uk                 E: Richard.Salvini@H-F.co.uk