Martyn’s Law Update – A Guide for Local Councils
Martyn’s Law, also known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, has been reintroduced to Parliament with the goal of improving public safety by requiring qualifying venues to have documented security plans. The legislation is designed to address the gaps in venue safety identified after the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, where large public spaces were found to lack sufficient anti-terrorism measures.
Who Does Martyn’s Law Apply To?
The key focus of Martyn’s Law is on venues that hold more than 200 people, where councils will need to ensure that adequate security measures are in place to protect against potential terrorist threats. This includes having formal, documented security plans for any large indoor or outdoor events. Smaller venues—those with a capacity of fewer than 200 people—are exempt from the law’s requirements. This is an increase from the original proposal, which had a threshold of 100 people, meaning many village halls and smaller venues will now fall outside the scope of the legislation.
What Should Smaller Councils Do?
For venues that do not fall under Martyn’s Law (i.e., those with capacities under 200), there is no legal obligation to comply with the legislation. However, the Martyn’s Law Steering Group encourages councils to voluntarily adopt some basic security measures, even if the law doesn’t strictly apply. Simple steps like ensuring evacuation plans, conducting risk assessments, and training staff on emergency procedures can go a long way toward ensuring public safety.
Exemptions
Places of Worship: Churches and other places of worship are exempt from Martyn’s Law when hosting their own events, such as religious services. However, events organised by third parties in these venues may still fall under the legislation if they exceed the 200-person capacity.
Smaller Outdoor Events: Outdoor events, such as village fetes or concerts, may also be exempt if fewer than 200 people are expected to attend. However, councils should consider security measures for larger outdoor events, as these will likely be subject to Martyn’s Law once it becomes law.
What’s Next?
The Bill had its first reading in the House of Commons on 12 September 2024 and is scheduled for a second reading on 14 October 2024. Martyn’s Law is expected to be finalised and come into effect by spring or summer 2025. Until then, councils managing larger venues or events are advised to start considering what security measures they might need to implement.
Practical Steps for Councils
While the full scope of Martyn’s Law won’t take effect until next year, councils can take some proactive steps now:
Review Event Capacities: Determine if any of your council-managed venues or events exceed the 200-person capacity.
Security Risk Assessments: Start conducting basic security risk assessments for venues that may be impacted. This will help you identify potential vulnerabilities and create strategies to mitigate them.
Collaboration with Local Authorities: Reach out to local authorities or security organisations for advice on best practices. Many councils may benefit from partnering with nearby security services to develop tailored plans for larger events.
Outdoor Events and Martyn’s Law
Outdoor events are also covered under Martyn’s Law. This means that large public gatherings like festivals, concerts, or fireworks displays, where attendance could exceed 200 people, will need to comply with the same security measures as indoor venues. Councils hosting these kinds of events should start considering what security steps might be necessary, such as crowd control, entry point security, and emergency evacuation plans.
Support and Resources
While Martyn’s Law has not yet been fully implemented, we will continue to provide updates as the Bill moves through Parliament. Once the law is finalised, we plan to release a “good practice anti-terrorism checklist” on our website to help councils adopt security measures, even if they are not legally required to do so. This checklist will include advice on best practices for event management and public safety, ensuring councils have the resources they need to protect their communities.
Stay Informed Make sure to stay informed as this legislation progresses. We will continue to provide updates and guidance to help councils navigate their responsibilities under Martyn’s Law. Keep an eye on our website for more information and practical resources once the Bill becomes law.