Martyn’s Law

Temperer Global supports its clients across all aspects of Martyn’s Law

Who is Martyn Hett?

Martyn's Law is named after Martyn Hett who was one of the 22 victims killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack. His mother, Figen Murray campaigned tirelessly for years to create the legislation, which aims to improve the security of public venues and events to protect people from future terrorist attacks.

What is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn's Law, also known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, is UK legislation that requires certain publicly accessible venues and events to improve security and preparedness for potential terrorist attacks. The law operates on a tiered system based on the number of people expected to be present, requiring those responsible to implement appropriate and reasonably practicable security measures, such as training staff and developing safety plans.

What the Law Requires

  • Risk assessment: Those in charge of public venues must understand the threat of terrorism and assess their specific risks.

  • Security measures: They must take appropriate steps to reduce vulnerability to attacks.

  • Preparedness plans: A safety plan and staff training are mandatory

    .

Further Information about Martyn’s Law, relevant documents and links can be found at www.gov.uk

Also, please visit https://www.protectdutyconsultants.com/

Who is Affected?

  • The law applies to a wide range of publicly accessible locations, including entertainment and leisure venues, retail stores, sports grounds, and public areas of government buildings.

  • It also covers a variety of events, from festivals to public meetings. .

The Tiered System

  • Standard tier: Applies to premises and events with a capacity of 200 to 799 people. These venues are required to have a preparedness plan and training in place.

  • Enhanced tier: Applies to venues and events with a capacity of 800 or more people. In addition to the standard tier requirements, these locations must implement specific public protection measures to both reduce vulnerability and the risk of harm during an attack.

  • Exemptions: Certain premises, such as those used for education, remain in the standard tier even if they have a capacity of 800 or more. 

How will the Government enforce Martyn’s Law?

To support enforcement of the regime, a new regulatory function will be established within the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The SIA will seek to support, advise and guide those responsible for premises and events in meeting the requirements of this legislation. Where there are instances of serious or persistent non-compliance the SIA will be able to take enforcement action including compliance notices, monetary penalties and restriction notices. The legislation also includes some criminal offences. The SIA must prepare statutory guidance about how it will discharge its functions under the Act, which must be approved by the Home Secretary before it is published.   

There will be a period of time prior to the implementation of the legislation, i.e. when it will come into force. This period will be at least 24 months to allow for the set-up of the regulator and to ensure sufficient time for those responsible for premises and events in scope to understand their new obligations before they come into force, being able to plan and prepare accordingly.

Does Martyn’s Law apply across the UK?

The legislation will apply across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to ensure consistency in keeping the public safe across all parts of the United Kingdom. 

The Government has been working closely with stakeholders and the Devolved Governments throughout the development of this Act.  

How a LiDAR Digital Twin Supports Compliance

Accurate Site Layout for Risk Assessment

A digital twin provides:

  • Precise measurements across a property

  • Clear mapping of all areas

  • Visuals of all thoroughfares and choke points

This allows risk assessors to document:

  • Vulnerable crowd areas

  • Safe movement paths and pinch points

  • Areas requiring improved CCTV oversight

Scenario Planning & Preparedness Documentation

For Martyn’s Law, venues must show evidence of;

  • Emergency Action Plans

  • Evacuation Planning

  • Clear Communication Protocols

A Digital Twin helps security teams VISUALISE these elements in a neutral, planning orientated way, and;

  • Store official evacuation routes

  • Map staff muster points

  • Show emergency access routes to responders

  • Validate signage and accessibility compliance

Training & Exercises

Martyn’s Law requires staff to be trained for;

  • Identifying suspicious activity

  • Understanding the venue layout

  • Knowing evacuation and response actions

  • Virtual walkthroughs for staff orientation

  • Tabletop exercises and emergency drills

Crowd Flow & Capacity Management (non sensitive)

Anonymous, aggregated data assists with;

  • Predicting congested zones during events

  • Planning steward positions

  • Enhancing signage and way finding

Documentation for Audits

A digital twin becomes a single source for truth for;

  • Building layouts

  • Safety Infrastructure

  • Policies and Updates

  • Review logs