What Martyn’s Law Means for Public Venues

Enacted into law on April 3, 2025, Martyn’s Law calls for all UK venues and events to develop and implement preparedness plans and security procedures to reduce harm to the public in the event of a terrorist attack.

Public venues have 24 months to review the new rules and implement required protections.

For smaller venues, this means implementing actionable response plans to reduce harm to the public and exploring ways to raise awareness about security threats among staff. Larger venues are required to enact additional protections and conduct thorough risk assessments, as well as take steps to enhance on-site security by improving the way events are observed.

Compliance requirements for Martyn’s law are spread across two tiers. Standard Tier applies to venues and events with a capacity of 200 to 799 people; Enhanced Tier applies to those with a capacity of 800 or more. While venues with a total capacity of 199 or less are exempt, Martyn’s Law provides an effective framework to help operators improve security protections.

Standard Tier focuses on improving protective security and organisational preparedness by empowering event organisers to consider how they would respond in the event of a terrorist attack. Requirements under this tier involve low-cost, practical plans to evacuate the venue, move attendees to a safe location and lock down the premises in the event of an emergency.  

Venues that fall under the Enhanced Tier are required to implement more comprehensive strategies and protections to safeguard the public, including measures to observe the site and surrounding areas for signs of security threats. For some venues, this may necessitate upgrades to outdated or ineffective CCTV and physical security systems.

Pelco offers an industry-leading range of smart video AI security cameras and threat detection technologies that leverage real-time intelligence to keep operators informed of complex, changeable security threats. Systems can be customised to meet unique needs and address evolving challenges, with AI analytics tools to help streamline investigations. 

While security system upgrades are not a mandatory requirement, leveraging smart, modern security devices to improve observational capabilities can help venues of all sizes protect the public from harm. UK public venues with a capacity of 200 or more have 24 months from April 3, 2025, to review Martyn’s Law and make required adjustments to security measures.