The UK Government is introducing new counter-terrorism legislation, known as Martyn’s Law (formally the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill), designed to make public spaces safer and ensure businesses are better prepared for potential terrorist threats.
Named in memory of Martyn Hett, who lost his life in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, the law will place a legal duty on businesses and organisations to improve their security measures and emergency response planning.
At SECOM, we partner with organisations across all sectors to strengthen their security and compliance. Here’s what you need to know about Martyn’s Law, who it will affect, and how your business can begin preparing now.
What is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law is a piece of legislation designed to enhance security at publicly accessible locations. It requires organisations to:
- Assess the risk of a terrorist attack on their premises.
- Introduce proportionate security measures, depending on venue capacity.
- Develop and maintain a security plan, covering both preventative actions and emergency responses.
- Train staff to spot suspicious behaviour and respond effectively.
- Engage with local authorities on counter-terrorism preparedness.
There will be two tiers of duty:
- Standard tier (100–799 capacity): Basic but essential steps, including staff training, incident response planning, and risk assessments.
- Enhanced tier (800+ capacity): More detailed requirements, such as robust security procedures, advanced systems, and close liaison with counter-terror experts.
Which Businesses Will Martyn’s Law Affect?
Martyn’s Law will apply to a wide range of organisations and venues across the UK, including:
- Hospitality and leisure venues – restaurants, pubs, bars, nightclubs.
- Events and entertainment venues – stadiums, arenas, theatres, concert halls.
- Retail environments – shopping centres, department stores, supermarkets.
- Public sector buildings – libraries, museums, galleries, town halls.
- Places of worship.
- Health and education premises where the public has access.
If your organisation operates a location where the public gathers, Martyn’s Law is likely to impact your operations.
Why Martyn’s Law Matters for Businesses
The legislation is more than a compliance requirement – it is about protecting people, staff, and communities. Businesses need to be aware of:
- Legal obligations – non-compliance may result in enforcement action and reputational damage.
- Training needs – frontline staff must know how to recognise threats and respond quickly.
- Investment in security – CCTV, access control, alarms, and monitoring may be required.
- Ongoing responsibility – security and emergency plans will need regular reviews and updates.
How Businesses Can Start Preparing Today
Although the bill has not yet been finalised, there are proactive steps businesses can take now:
- Conduct a security risk assessment for your premises.
- Review and update emergency procedures, including evacuation and lockdown plans.
- Provide staff training on threat awareness and response actions.
- Upgrade security technology with CCTV, intruder alarms, and access control.
- Work with a trusted security partner, such as SECOM, to ensure compliance and long-term resilience.
How SECOM Supports Businesses with Martyn’s Law
As one of the UK’s leading security providers, SECOM helps businesses prepare for Martyn’s Law by delivering:
- AI-powered CCTV and monitoring to detect and respond to threats in real time.
- Access control systems to protect entry points and manage crowds effectively.
- Intruder alarms and detection technology to strengthen physical security.
- Tailored security planning and consultation, ensuring compliance with the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill.
- Staff training solutions to improve preparedness and confidence in emergency situations.
By partnering with SECOM, your organisation can take proactive steps to meet upcoming legal requirements and, most importantly, protect the people who matter most.
Contact SECOM today to discuss how we can help your business prepare for Martyn’s Law.
Disclaimer:
At the time of writing, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law, has not yet been passed into law. The details and requirements may change as the legislation progresses through Parliament. SECOM continually monitors updates to ensure our advice and solutions remain current and compliant.