April 28, 2025
Martyn’s Law is something every venue operator should be aware of, especially if you’re responsible for public safety. It’s a piece of legislation that was introduced to improve security at public venues and reduce the risk of attacks. Here are the five key things every venue operator should know about Martyn’s Law.
1. It’s All About Protecting People
Martyn’s Law was named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. It’s designed to ensure venues do everything they can to protect their guests. This means putting in place proper security measures, from risk assessments to physical security measures like bag checks and having security staff around. It’s all about making sure everyone feels safe when they visit your venue.
2. There’s a Duty to Assess Risks
Under Martyn’s Law, venue operators have a legal duty to assess the risk of terrorism and take steps to reduce it. This means you need to think about things like the size of your venue, how many people you’re expecting, and what kind of events you’re hosting. The larger the venue or the event, the more detailed the security measures you need to have in place.
3. Training Your Staff is Crucial
Security isn’t just about having the right equipment; your staff play a huge role in keeping everyone safe. Martyn’s Law highlights the importance of training your team to spot potential risks. This means knowing what to do in an emergency, recognising suspicious behaviour, and understanding how to use security systems effectively. Training will help your staff respond quickly and confidently if anything does go wrong.
4. The Law Applies to All Venues
Martyn’s Law isn’t just for massive venues like arenas or stadiums. It applies to all public venues, no matter the size. Whether you’re running a small café, a shopping mall, or a concert hall, you need to take steps to make sure you’re protecting your customers. Smaller venues might not need the same level of security as large events, but the law still requires you to assess risks and act on them.
5. You’ll Need to Provide Documentation
If you’re a venue operator, you’ll need to have proof that you’re meeting the requirements of Martyn’s Law. This could include risk assessments, security plans, and details about your staff training. Having all of this documented will show that you’re taking safety seriously, and it’ll help you stay compliant with the law.