Martyn’s Law: A New Era for Public Safety and Smart Security.

Named in honour of Martyn Hett, who lost his life in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, the legislation introduces clear, enforceable requirements for venues and event organisers to improve their preparedness against terrorism.

The new law applies to premises with a capacity of 200 or more people, an increase from the originally proposed threshold of 100, and to events expecting 800 or more individuals.

Its tiered framework categorises premises into two levels:

• Standard Duty: For premises with a capacity between 200 and 799 people.

• Enhanced Duty: For those with a capacity of 800 or more.

Under the Standard tier, venue operators will be required to undertake simple but effective preparedness activities, such as terrorism awareness training and developing basic emergency procedures.

Enhanced tier locations face more stringent obligations, including comprehensive risk assessments, security planning, and regular staff training. The implementation of the law will be phased in over at least two years, giving organisations time to act. Many are already taking proactive steps to comply.

Role of Security Technology

This is where security technology can play a vital role. As venues begin reviewing their existing security arrangements, solutions that are both scalable and intelligent will be crucial.

Integrated systems providing surveillance, access control, fire safety, lockdown capability and real-time communications are no longer optional extras. Instead, they are fast becoming baseline requirements.

One development is the upcoming integration between PAC access control systems and Comelit’s advanced video surveillance. This enables a more cohesive incident management and real-time decision-making. With one interface providing visibility across access points and live video feeds, security personnel can better identify suspicious activity, verify incidents quickly, and coordinate appropriate responses.

This is especially relevant to Martyn’s Law’s emphasis on being “reasonably practicable” – requiring organisations to take proportionate steps that could mitigate harm. Tools that unify data, detect anomalies, and communicate threats swiftly will give operators the best chance of protecting staff and the public if an incident occurs.

Where to Start?

Organisations should begin their journey toward compliance by:

• Conducting internal risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities.

• Engaging professional security advisors to evaluate and upgrade current systems.

• Developing written action plans, including evacuation and lockdown procedures.

• Training staff to recognise early warning signs and respond under pressure.

In the coming months, further guidance and secondary legislation will be issued. Meanwhile, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) will take on a new regulatory function, providing oversight, advice, and enforcement to help organisations navigate this significant change.