RETAIL AND HOSPITALITY
Martyn’s Law Martyn’s Law is a proposed UK bill that requires certain public places to take steps to protect the public from terrorist attacks. The proposed law will apply to a range of locations within Retail and Hospitality, is currently in consultation phase and those concerned will be given an extended period of time to implement the changes if passed.
Martyn’s Law, also known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, is proposed UK legislation that requires public venues to consider and prepare for terrorist attacks. The law is named after Martyn Hett, who was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack. The law’s objectives are to: l Ensure that public venues are better prepared for terrorist attacks l Reduce the risk of public harm from terrorist attacks l Ensure that security preparedness is consistent across the UK The law will apply to a range of locations, including entertainment and leisure venues, retail venues, food and drink venues, museums and galleries, sports grounds, public areas of government buildings, visitor attractions, temporary events, places of worship and health venues. The aim of the Martyn’s Law Bill is intended to ensure public premises and events are better prepared for terrorist attacks and ready to respond. It will require them to take reasonably practicable actions, which
vary accordingly, to mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack and reduce physical harm. The Bill was introduced to Parliament on 12 September 2024 and is currently undergoing Parliamentary scrutiny. Martyn’s Law has been designed to make compliance simple. The law will use a tiered model, with different requirements depending on the size of the venue and the activity taking place. For example, locations with a maximum capacity of over 200 will be required to have basic security measures, staff awareness training and emergency response plans. Forewarned is Forearmed It’s a tough subject to write about: terrorism. So let’s disseminate what’s at hand, and what might be coming down the line. The aim of the law is to keep the public safe, and that should be in the rule book of any respectable establishment in retail and hospitality. The Bill, which is a moving feast, so continue to check the UK government website for updates, is also seeking to delineate between concentrated areas of the public, by putting classification terms to venues, premises and
The aim of the Martyn’s Law Bill is intended to ensure public premises and events are better prepared
for terrorist attacks and
ready to respond.
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