Martyn’s Law Venue Security Legislation Planned For Spring 2023
The government announced this week that new legislation will be published in spring 2023 to improve security at venues in the aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing (Government Press Release on 19th December 2022).
Security consultancy Lodge Service is advising the operators of public venues and spaces on the implications of the proposed anti-terrorism legislation. Known as Martyn’s Law or the Protect Duty, it will mandate tougher security measures to protect against terrorist attacks.
Martyn Hett was among the 22 people killed in the 2017 attack and his mother, Figen Murray, has campaigned for the measures with other bereaved families and survivors.
The proposed plans were established after public consultation, with 70 percent of people who responded agreeing that officials responsible for publicly accessible locations should take measures to protect the public from potential attacks.
“The new law will affect venues with a capacity of more than 100 people or that employ more than 250 people, even if they work across multiple sites. Also, any outdoor or public spaces where people may congregate, such as parks and squares. With legislation planned for publication in the spring, venue owners and operators should start preparing now, as the training and security measures required will take some time to implement,” says Judy Atkinson, director at Lodge Service.
Out of an estimated 650,000 crowded places in the UK, only 0.2% are currently prioritised to receive direct support from the Government’s network of counter-terrorism experts. Lodge Service is advising operators of venues and spaces as they plan their counter-terrorism measures.
Venues and local authorities need to have clear response plans, says Lodge Service, including efficient ways to guide people safely within a location in the event of a security alert, communicate with visitors and the emergency services, ensure staff know how to enact appropriate steps, and make provision to shelter people where necessary.
