What is Martyn’s Law?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law, is the result of a tireless campaign by Figen Murray OBE whose son, Martyn Hett, died in the 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack.

The new law is aimed at reducing the risks we as a society face from terrorism.

How will Martyn’s Law work?

Martyn’s Law will introduce measures to ensure that the public are protected through better security and preparedness. The new law which will apply across the whole of the United Kingdom will place a statutory duty on those falling within its scope to take appropriate action to mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack, as well as to reduce the harm in the event of an attack occurring.

What falls within the scope of Martyn’s Law?

The law defines which public premises and events will fall within the scope of the legislation. In short, qualifying public premises are those to which the public or a section of the public have access to, and which have a capacity of 200 or more. They must be used for one or more of the specified uses set out within the legislation and will include the likes of shops; nightclubs; sports grounds; visitor attractions; places of worship; healthcare and education, amongst others.

Qualifying public events are also defined in the legislation and are effectively those held at premises which are not qualifying public premises, but which hold at least 800 people and the public or a section of it have access to it for the purpose of attending the event.

Two tiered approach

A “one size fits all” approach is not considered appropriate. The law has, therefore, been drafted with a two-tiered approach consisting of a standard and an enhanced tier.

What are the requirements within the standard tier?

Standard tier will apply to qualifying locations where it is reasonable to expect between 200 and 799 people may be present at the same time. The law will require the duty holders to undertake simple but effective activities, in other words reasonably practicable measures, to improve their protective security and preparedness.

What are the requirements within the enhanced tier?

Where it is reasonable to expect 800 or more people to be present at premises or an event at the same time then in addition to the standard tier requirements, duty holders will need to notify the regulator about their premises/event.

They must implement appropriate and reasonably practicable public protection measures to reduce the vulnerability of the premises/event to a terrorist attack occurring and also reduce the risk of physical harm being caused were an attack to occur there or nearby. The measures taken must be documented and copies provided to the regulator.

Who is responsible for implementing the requirements at a premises or event?

For premises, the person responsible is the one who has control of the premises in connection with its specific use. For events, the responsible person will be those who control the premises at which the event is taking place in connection with the use of the premises for the event.

How will Martyn’s Law be enforced?

A new regulator will be established to provide advice and support to those falling within the scope of Martyn’s Law but it is the Government’s intention that the Security Industry Authority (SIA) will deliver the regulator function when the new legislation comes into force.

When will Martyn’s Law come into force?

The new law is expected to receive Royal Assent on 03 April 2025. There will, however, be a period of time before implementation to allow people/organisations to plan and prepare and also to set up the regulator, all of which the Government expects to take at least 2 years.

How can Olliers assist in relation to Martyn’s Law?

At Olliers, we can provide specialist legal advice and assistance to you and your business. We can speak to senior management teams and staff regarding the incoming legislation and the impact it will have. We also have positive working relationships with commercial lawyers who can assist with venue/event agreements and contracts, as well as, specialist PR consultants to assist with responding to media contact and publishing content around the response to the legislation where necessary.