How Will Martyn’s Law Change UK Venues?
As UK venues prepare for the introduction of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, or Martyn's Law, the facilities management sector is evaluating how the new regulations will affect operations. Named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, the law aims to strengthen counter-terrorism measures in public spaces. Kevin Rowe, Managing Director at SafetyBuyer, examines the upcoming changes and their impact on stadium management.
Understanding Martyn's Law
The goal of Martyn's Law is straightforward: mandate that public venues have robust security practices to prevent, prepare for, and respond to potential terrorist threats. Unlike existing legislation, Martyn's Law specifically targets terrorism-related risks and applies to a broad range of venues, from shopping centres and concert halls to sporting arenas and other spaces where large groups gather. Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has said,
“This legislation will strengthen public safety, help protect staff and the public from terrorism and ensure we learn the lessons from the terrible Manchester Arena attack and the inquiry that followed. It is important we now take this forward through Parliament in Martyn’s memory and to help keep people safe.”
Under this law, those responsible for premises must take essential yet proportionate steps, scaled to their venue's capacity, to ensure public safety. This involves a tiered approach based on the venue's size, expected crowd, and type of activity, ensuring that small businesses aren’t unduly burdened.
What UK Venues Can Expect
Mandatory Risk Assessments
Martyn's Law introduces a requirement for venues to conduct detailed risk assessments focused on terrorist threats, building on existing safety protocols. Facilities managers will need to evaluate factors such as crowd size, entry points, and the likelihood of an attack. This will involve implementing more thorough and frequent assessments, along with staff training to recognise and respond to potential threats. Partnerships with counter-terrorism experts may also be necessary to stay informed about emerging risks and effective mitigation strategies.
Enhanced Staff Training And Emergency Drills
All staff members, from security personnel to event staff and cleaners, will need to be trained to respond to security incidents. This training will go beyond traditional emergency response drills, focusing specifically on identifying suspicious behaviour, managing crowd control during emergencies, and liaising with emergency services.
Stadium managers will be key in coordinating these efforts, ensuring staff training is regularly reviewed and updated. This may require additional time and financial resources as training becomes an ongoing part of operations.
Upgraded Security Infrastructure And Health And Safety Equipment
Venues may need to enhance their security infrastructure significantly. This includes implementing advanced technologies like CCTV, facial recognition, and entry screenings such as bag checks and metal detectors, especially for large events.
Health and safety equipment, like AEDs, first-aid kits, and two-way radios, will also be critical for efficient emergency responses. Facilities managers must ensure this equipment is accessible and well-maintained.. Balancing security upgrades with venue aesthetics and accessibility will be essential to keep spaces both safe and welcoming.
Closer Collaboration With Law Enforcement And Counter-Terrorism Specialists
Martyn's Law mandates collaboration with law enforcement agencies, which will allow venue operators to stay informed about specific threats and the latest in counter-terrorism intelligence. This collaboration will be critical, especially for venues classified as “enhanced risk” due to their capacity or location. Martyn’s Law proposes a tiered framework with three primary risk levels: standard, enhanced, and high.
Enhanced Tier: Venues in this tier, with higher capacities of 800 or more, will need to conduct more comprehensive risk assessments and implement additional security measures, including emergency drills and crowd control strategies.
High Tier: For the largest venues or those with significant security vulnerabilities, the high tier mandates the most rigorous safety standards. This includes advanced counter-terrorism protocols, enhanced infrastructure, and frequent collaboration with local law enforcement.
Facility managers will likely take on more responsibility for compliance reporting, maintaining open lines of communication with police forces and counter-terrorism specialists, and updating their operational protocols as new threats or security guidelines emerge.
Many facilities managers will require training on how to integrate this intelligence into their risk assessments and security measures.
Implications Of Martyn’s Law On Facilities Management
The introduction of Martyn's Law will inevitably bring about significant operational and financial implications for the facilities management sector. While the increased security standards offer a clear public benefit, the costs associated with compliance may be substantial, particularly for smaller venues or those without current security infrastructure. Facility managers must navigate these requirements, often finding innovative ways to implement changes without disrupting business or overstretching budgets.
One potential challenge will be balancing security with visitor experience. While heightened security measures can provide peace of mind, they can also increase wait times, add to operational complexity, and, if not properly managed, create a more sterile or even intimidating atmosphere. Effective planning, clear communication, and an emphasis on customer service will be essential to maintain a welcoming environment.
In addition, Martyn's Law places facilities managers at the forefront of emergency response strategy, requiring them to develop new skill sets and enhance their understanding of security technologies and protocols. Compliance will not only depend on installing security systems but also on maintaining a proactive culture of security awareness across all operational levels.
